An exercise group near Bridgnorth which helps elderly people keep fit and active as well as tackling rural isolation has received a donation from a regional housebuilder to help it meet its running costs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Chetton Active Friends received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes West Midlands thanks to its Community Champions scheme, which has run since 2015.

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building. Persimmon Homes West Midlands makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month to worthy causes.

Chetton Active Friends has been running for around three years at Chetton and District Parish Hall and aims to tackle rural isolation.

Spokeswoman Susanna Bayliss said: “We live in an area with an ageing population, in a rural situation with no regular bus service, shop, pub or school. The committee had been concerned about rural isolation for some time and three years ago started a group to help alleviate the problem.

“Chetton Active Friends offers free exercise and recovery with plenty of time to chat after. This activity had to stop earlier this year due to COVID-19.

“We are fortunate to have a hall with one room only and a stage, so we can spread people out meeting requirements for safe distancing when exercising. Fundraising is not possible currently and we do need continual support to cover our running costs for the group, so we are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes West Midlands for its help.”

David Greengrass, head of sales for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Chetton Active Friends, especially as it fulfils a need for so many people.”

To find out more information Community Champions visit: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions.