EXERCISE is the best medicine, according to a leading public health doctor.

Dr Judith Hooper, public health director of North Kirklees and also a GP in Huddersfield, praised the benefits of activity at an event to celebrate 10 years of a pioneering GP exercise referral scheme.

PALS - Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme - gives patients prescriptions for exercise if they have a condition that would benefit from being more active.

During her speech at the birthday event at Spenborough Pool and Sports Complex in Cleckheaton, Dr Hooper said: "Taking some exercise is one of the best pieces of advice anyone can be given.

"After heart attacks or a diagnosis of diabetes or intolerable backache, often the sufferer is frightened about taking any physical activity at all.

"They can become withdrawn, possibly lose their job and get stuck in their house."

Being referred to a scheme where their own needs are understood really helped people get moving again and feel a lot better, said Dr Hooper.

At the anniversary event, dozens of PALS members were invited to sample taster sessions in assorted classes from t'ai chi and chair exercises to circuits and pilates at the Spenborough complex.

Friends Alan Johnson, 70, Stanley Wood, 77 and Brian Squire, 74, attend PALS several times a week.

Alan, of Liversedge, was referred to PALS four years ago suffering from heart problems.

He said: "I was a driving instructor for 35 years and sat in a car all day, doing no exercise. Exercise was a strange concept to me. But I now love it so much, I feel better, fitter and have lots of different friends.

"If anybody is thinking of giving it a go, I would say do it, it will be the making of you."

Stanley, of Gomersal, agreed.

He said: "I started here after having a heart attack and feel totally different now. I have had no problems with my heart since."

Brian, of Liversedge, said: "I asked to be referred to the scheme to prevent having heart problems. Prevention is better than cure."