BARRY Island was the scene on Wednesday, November 18 of a graduation ceremony with a difference.

Eight residents got certificates after completing a five week course to learn Nordic walking with Geoff Hollett.

Nordic walking involves walking using lightweight, specially-designed poles that exercise your arms, shoulders, chests and backs as you walk.

Age Cymru’s Rhian Pearce gave the certificates to the new members of the Barry Nordic Walking Club outside the Whitmore and Jackson café.

Talking about the event Rhian Pearce said, “Congratulations to our eight graduates who successfully completed the five week training course with our local volunteer instructor Geoff Hollett from Barry Nordic Walking Club.

“They all passed their Introduction to Nordic Walking course which was run at Porthkerry Park with flying colours.”

The older people’s charity Age Cymru supports Barry Nordic Walking Club as part of its Healthy Ageing programme.

Barry Nordic Walking Club meets twice a week - Mondays at Cosmeston Country Park at 10am and Wednesdays at Porthkerry Park at 10am.

The next five week Introduction to Nordic Walking begins on Thursday, December 8 at Porthkerry Park.

For further information contact Geoff Hollett on 01446 730613 or geoffhollett@hotmail.com and Rhian Pearce at Age Cymru on 029 2043 1555 or rhian.pearce@agecymru.org.uk.