Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust has launched a new initiative to help older residents of the borough enjoy outdoor activities.

Organised by the trust’s Active Living Team, Al Fresco offers free personal safety taster sessions for the over-50s delivered by qualified self defence instructors.

The sessions include advice on avoiding confrontation, identifying vulnerable areas of the body and developing skills to keep safe as well as providing information on individual rights and the law.

Active Living officer Alison Griffin said: “These tasters are ideal to give people the confidence to participate in outdoor activities safely.

“We want people to feel self-assured in their local area and have the know how to participate in outdoor activities in the borough’s many green spaces.

“We have some wonderful countryside walks and scenery in the borough, and we want people to enjoy them with their families without fear.”