INSTRUCTORS and members at an award-winning fitness club are backing Race for Fitness and offering free sessions to encourage people to get in shape.

Charlie Featherstone is the chief instructor at the North East Tang Soo Do Family of Martial Arts and Fitness, based in the town, and is extremely passionate about getting people fit and healthy.

The group, which meets at Owton Manor Primary School and the Stranton Centre, was crowned the best fitness and activity group nationwide at the What’s On 4 Me awards last year.

And now Charlie, who is a full-time professional instructor, is offering free sessions for a week to encourage people to get behind the Mail’s Race for Fitness campaign.

The 46-year-old, who lives in the Rift House area of Hartlepool with wife, Diane, 43, a Slimming World consultant, said: “I am a firm believer that being active and having the correct balance of healthy food is not only better for your body but helps build your confidence and self esteem.”

Charlie runs two fitness and three martial arts sessions every week.

He says he is aware that people do not have a lot of spare time, so the fitness sessions are only one-hour long.

He added: “One hour is all people need. I encourage people to get active and basically just to move, it’s that simple.

“I try to encourage people to get off a bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way and to go up stairs instead of getting a lift, things like that.”

Charlie has the backing of more than 30 members who have thrown their support behind the Mail’s campaign.

Anyone who is interested in going along to a week’s worth of free sessions or for more information about the club should call Charlie on 07974 169229.

ARE you on board with a Hartlepool Mail campaign to improve fitness?

We want to hear from hundreds of people in the Hartlepool and east Durham areas who plan to spend this year improving their wellbeing.

Our Race For Fitness project aims to get 2,012 people doing something to change their life for the better.

Our supporters so far include Hartlepool Borough Council which has highlighted its excellent range of services for all the family, including the younger generation.

And as the details below show, there’s plenty to do for all ages.

A council spokesman said: “Our outdoor activities team offers a range of events across Hartlepool and the Tees Valley. They are fully inclusive and led by qualified instructors”.

But it is not just close to home that the council runs activities. It also takes teams of people – led by experienced staff – to scenic places such as the Lake District.

The fun includes mountain biking, walking archery, canoeing, orienteering, climbing and abseiling at the very scenic location of St John’s in The Vale.

Groups can enjoy some of the best views available of Skiddaw and Blencathra, while sleeping in comfort in dormitory style rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Those who have enjoyed the outdoor activities programme have so far included school parties, adult walking groups and foster care teams.

Closer to home, the council is holding swim tots sessions at the Mill House Leisure Centre on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

And the Summerhill reserve off Catcote Road offers a huge variety of activities such as indoor climbing in the visitor centre, nature studies, archery, a hands-on look at archeology, boulder climbing and craft sessions for groups which can include making mini beasts;

There are charges for the activities and more details are available from the centre.

The council’s principal recreation officer, Maxine Crutwell, said: “We are committed to enhancing the lives of the people of Hartlepool. Our aim is to get more people participating in sport and physical activity.

“We work with many key partners to achieve our aim such as schools, colleges, clubs, the Primary Care Trust and voluntary organisations.”

More details are available from.hartlepool.gov.uk, on twitter HBC Sport, and by email to sport.recreation@hartlepool.gov.uk

And anyone wanting to find out about events at Summerhill should contact (01429) 284584.

TOP UK Olympic prospect Andy Turner showed his support for the Hartlepool Mail’s campaign to get people fit.

We sent him details of our campaign, to get 2012 people in shape by the time the London Olympics opening ceremony is held, through social media site Twitter.

Andy, a 110-metre hurdler who took bronze at the last World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, was asked by the Mail if he would support the campaign.

He then re-tweeted the message to his 7,000 followers.

He is among a range of sportsman and women who have backed the campaign including Lord Sebastian Coe, former Olympic javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread and Hartlepool’s own Olympic hopeful, boxer Savannah Marshall.

The campaign has also won the support of Prime Minister David Cameron, Minister for Public Health Anne Milton, project director of the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, Tony Aikenhead, and Hartlepool-born Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.

Why not follow their example and show your support?

We want to hear from at least 2,012 people in Hartlepool and east Durham who plan to spend this year improving their health.

You could quit smoking or drinking, take up exercise, or go on a diet.

Or do you have plans for a sponsored cycle, run, walk or swim?

It doesn’t have to be a Herculean challenge. The most important thing is that you take part in our Race For Fitness project.

Contact Chris Cordner by writing to him at New Clarence House, Wesley Square, Hartlepool, TS24 8BX, via email to chris.cordner@northeast-press.co.uk or by calling (01429) 239377.

A full list of people who are supporting the campaign and taking part can be found at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk in the campaigns section.

It is your big day and everything should be perfect. and at the etc Wedding Show we have everything to make sure your wedding is just that.

Taking place on Sunday, March 25 at the stunning Rockliffe Hall, a five-star hotel in Hurworth, near Darlington, the day will feature 30 handpicked exhibitors as well as a spectacular catwalk showcasing the latest bridal gown trends, mother-of-the bride must-haves and men’s formal wear.

etc editor, Georga Spottiswood, said: “It is every girl’s dream to have a fairytale wedding and the etc team has waved its magic wand to help make that happen.

“Our event will feature the crème de la crème of the wedding industry and there will be everything from cars and cakes to beauty tips and wedding hair ideas – all the essential ingredients to make sure your big day is one to remember.

“I cannot wait for this event, it is going to be amazing.”

Brides-to-be and their families will be given five-star treatment at the wedding show with a glass of champagne on arrival.

They will then get to browse the stands, visualise their wedding ceremony taking place in the elegant Old Hall or glass-roofed Victorian Orangery – which will be set up as if to host a civil wedding – then sit back and relax while etc puts on a glittering catwalk show.

The event will take place from 11am to 5pm, with visitors being allocated one of three times slots.

etc director, Linda Burnside, said: “From stunning wedding jewellery to chair covers, hats, fascinators and honeymoon ideas, there will be something for every bride at the etc wedding show.

“This is an exclusive event and tickets are limited, so I’d advise people to book early.

“The etc Wedding Show will be a hugely enjoyable experience – it is no ordinary wedding event.”

Sponsors of the etc Wedding Show are: Poppy Bridal, Hooker and Young, Stan Seaton Photography and Simply Bows and Chair Covers.

All will be there showing brides and grooms how to add the special touches to their day.

etc has also teamed up with many of the exhibitors to offer one lucky bride and groom the chance to win some amazing prizes. They will include bridal make-up for the bride on her big day, courtesy of Eve Beauty Darlington, and a honeymoon at Rockliffe Hall worth more than £1,000.

Tickets cost £7 and are pre-paid only. Call 0191 501 7114. For more information {http://www.etcnortheast.co.uk/etc-wedding-show|Click Here|Click here for more details on the Etc Wedding Show}