PEOPLE living in an area of Burnley targeted by an anti-poverty hit squad have been learning about affordable ways to a healthier life.

The hit squad set up shop at the Stoops and Hargher Clough Community Centre in Venice Street and offered free aromatherapy sessions, reflexology and back massages as well as information on housing grants for insulation and energy conservation.

Burnley Council anti-poverty officer Steve Watson said: "You don't have to be rich to be healthy. The idea was to give people information on easy and affordable ways to a healthier lifestyle."

As well as the therapy demonstrations the exhibition featured non-alcoholic punch and healthy tasty recipes, and information on dental health, drug awareness and cold weather payments for pensioners.

Visitors to the exhibition were also able to join the new South West Burnley Food Co-op and get Community Access Passports which entitles them to use sport and leisure centres free of charge.

The anti-poverty team includes local health visitors, child safety advisers from Burnley College, Safety Net Drugs Awareness, Age Concern, Safer Cities, the Alcohol Information Service, Boots asthma advice, dental health staff from St Nicholas Health Centre and Burnley Women's Health Forum.

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