A GREENOCK fitness instructor is putting her energies into helping hard-pressed families who struggle to put food on the table.

Jennifer Lang, who runs two local classes - FitSteps with Jennifer and Boogie Effect with Jen - is asking her clients to sign up for a 'fitness for food' scheme.

She is asking her students to bring in tins or other non-perishables for Inverclyde Foodbank to help local families who cannot make ends meet.

Jennifer, 42, said: "I am excited to be part of this initiative.

"It raises the profile of community fitness as well gathering valuable donations for the foodbank, which everyone knows is a vital resource for so many families.

"For me, being a dance fitness instructor is not just about fitness.

"It’s about bringing people together in the community, allowing them to grow their social circles, and enabling them to experience the mental health benefits of exercise as well as the physical benefits."

Jennifer's drive is part of Community Fitness Week, a campaign to raise awareness of fitness in community venues across the UK.

It begins on Saturday and runs until November 10, with around 1,000 coaches expected to sign up.

Jennifer has recruited two other local instructors, Sharon McCafferty of FitSteps with Shaz, and Emma Sinclair, of Total Fitness Inverclyde, to join in.

She said:"I would love for more local community instructors to get involved in the campaign so we can make as big an impact as possible.”

If any other local community fitness instructors are interested in getting involved in the campaign they can contact Jennifer on 07709 340675 for more information or go to www.communityfitnessweek.co.uk to sign up.

Classes will be on offer at Elim Church in Greenock, Parkview Studios in Greenock, Westburn Church and Kilmacolm Guide Hut.