A charity aerobic day has been hailed as one of the most successful in the region by children’s charity the NSPCC.

The Link Centre hosted the Aerobathon event last month, which saw 59 people taking part in two hours of Body Attack aerobics, Body Step, Body Combat and Body Balance.

Approximately half the participants at the Swindon Borough Council-run leisure centre raised more than £1,600 for the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, which equates to the cost and training of a ChildLine counsellor.

The event was run by the Link Centre’s qualified instructors after the NSPCC approached the council’s Leisure Services team about hosting one of the fundraisers.

Cllr Keith Williams, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: “We were delighted to help the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal by staging the Aerobathon at the Link Centre.

“It was wonderful to see Swindon people once again rising to the challenge to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.”

Patrick Weaver, Community Fundraising Manager for Swindon & North Wiltshire, said: “I extend my thanks to the NSPCC volunteers and the Link centre staff for their hard work in putting the event together.

“The Swindon event raised just over £1,600 - the cost of recruiting and training another ChildLine volunteer counsellor in our south west base, where calls from Swindon children are answered - an amazing achievement by all involved.

“Our ChildLine service may be UK-wide, but we hear from young people in Swindon. Since the appeal launched last year, we received in the region of 5,600 landline calls from Wiltshire.

“The area from which we received the most calls was Swindon which make up 18 per cent of calls. Events like the Aerobathon at the Link Centre ensure we are answering more of these cries for help.”

The NSPCC always needs more fundraising volunteers to collect throughout the year, help at events or join fundraising groups. If you would like to find out more email swindon110@nspcc.org.uk or call free on 0844 892 0562

Young people can continue to call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or via the website www.childline.org.uk