A fitness coach who “prescribes” exercise to those with health issues is encouraging older swimmers to get back in the pool.

Danii Vipond Houghton helps people with chronic pain at Kendal Leisure Centre in Cumbria.

Her work to improve health through exercise has led to her winning a national award.

“To be able to go to work, empower someone to move more and manage their medical condition to lead a happier, healthier life is fantastic,” she said.

Ms Vipond Houghton runs “exercise on prescription” classes and has increased the number of people accessing the centre’s Healthwise programme from 26 to 630 in just two years.

She was named “physical activity hero” at the UKactive awards on Thursday.

Ms Vipond Houghton wants to inspire those who think exercise is “not for them” and has helped many older swimmers return to the pool.

Arthur Westbook joined the classes after breaking his leg in a fall three years ago, leaving him unable to walk.

The 78-year-old said: “The confidence you get with being with these professionals here, it makes you want to do more.

“I’d never heard of anything like this, but I am really pleased I have done.”