TAI CHI classes in East Lancashire are blossoming after a succession of grants.

Lighthouse Tai Chi now gives lessons to more than 250 people a week in Rossendale.

Bacup-based charity REAL helped them gain a second Small Sparks grant to develop classes in the Valley.

That came after an initial £500 obtained with help from East Lancashire into Employment for classes in Burnley.

REAL administrator Catherine Doyle said: “They now have classes five days a week in Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Whitewell Bottom, Bacup and Whitworth.

“Most of the classes are for people of all ages apart from the Bacup one that is for the over-50s.

“It is fantastic to see how a small investment has grown the lessons and enabled so many people to benefit.”