Two cardiac rehabilitation organisations based at Caldicot Leisure Centre have received a new exercise bike worth £600.

The donation was made jointly by Chepstow and Caldicot Lions Club and the Lions Ladies support group.

President of the Lions Club, Nigel Gibby, and Sandra Pring of the Lions' Ladies support group presented the bike to the cardiac rehabilitation group at a small ceremony at Caldicot Leisure Centre earlier this month.

Despite the extensive range of exercise equipment owned jointly by both cardiac rehabilitation groups, the Caldicot Heartbeat Club and the Heart-to-Heart Group, the equipment needs updating. Tom West, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Group's Chairman, said: "Some of our equipment is now around 15 years old and needs replacing. To fund replacements we are seeking donations such as this much appreciated gift by the Chepstow Lions."

Both cardiac rehabilitation groups aren't funded by the NHS and have to fund room hire, insurances, equipments' servicing by a qualified engineer, and the regular attendance of their fitness instructor. Mr West said running costs last year alone were in excess of £8,000.

Members of the cardiac rehabilitation groups come from as far away as Magor, Langstone, Chepstow and Sedbury, as well as from Caldicot.

To join the groups you must be capable of cardiac rehabilitation exercises and have a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit enough to participate in the exercises provided.