A SPRIGHTLY Kidderminster woman who attends a weekly exercise class is about to celebrate her 95th birthday.

Betty Leverick, of Landoak Drive, goes to the Young at Heart group in The Deansway every Tuesday.

The classes, for people over 60, have been run by instructor Jane Gardner for five years.

Mrs Leverick, who began attending a year ago, said she enjoyed the activities, which include doing light exercises while sitting in a chair and following dance steps in a circle.

“I enjoy the company and they are all very nice people, especially Jane,” Mrs Leverick said. “It’s all good fun. At the end we get a lovely cup of tea and a slice of home-made cake.”

She added: “I know it sounds ordinary but it’s not, it’s very special.”

Mrs Leverick moved to Kidderminster from County Durham in 1968 when her late husband, William, lost his job as a miner.

She explained the secret of her good health was “keeping active”, adding: “I do all my own housework. I’m just very, very lucky that my legs are still good.”

“Betty is amazing,” Mrs Gardner told The Shuttle. “Her whole attitude and manner is so upbeat.”

The exercises are designed to increase strength, stamina and posture while also giving people the chance to “learn something new and have a laugh”, she explained.

She went on: “Our philosophy is that exercise is the best insurance policy there is because it pays out while you are alive.

“We’re like a mutual appreciation society. We all help each other out and enjoy ourselves.”