EXERCISE on prescription is about to become just what the doctor ordered in Bury.

At least 800 people could benefit from the borough-wide Exercise Referral Scheme which is launched on Tuesday (June 19).

Local GPs, practice managers and nurses are expected to join council staff at the Elizabethan Suite in promoting the scheme, which should be up and running by July.

Doctors will be able to refer patients to specialist staff who will put together a programme of exercise tailored to their needs.

This may include simple swimming or walking to specific activities held at Images Gym, or access to other sports such as aerobics, squash or badminton.

Councillor Warren Flood, sport and recreation spokesman, said: "We believe this can help to significantly improve the health of individuals and it is envisaged that in the first year alone up to 800 people could be referred."

Those who take part will have to pay to use the facilities, but at a concessionary rate.

In the long term, they may be able to use the council's Leisurecard scheme.