Residents of a retirement home are enjoying the wonders of Wii.

The pensioners at Ashminster House in Willesborough have been leaping into action after the Nintendo games console was installed in the common room with a wide-screen television all bought with cash raised by staff and residents.

The gaming addition is part of the fitness with care initiative by care home provider Barchester Healthcare in association with Help the Aged.

The home is part of a trial designed to measure the positive impact physical activity has on the health of residents.

Staff have been praising the Wii for encouraging activity through its unique control system where the players interact with games by moving their hand held remote control.

The console comes with a sports disc which offers residents a range of games to play and different ways of exercising, from keeping up with hand-eye co-ordination by playing tennis to giving arms a workout with a round of golf.

Particularly popular with residents is bowling which they find easy to use and fun the play.

The system has been installed after research from America showed that regular moderate exercise can help reverse the decline in brain function that occurs as people age, and in those with Alzheimer’s.

Ashminster House operations manager, Bernard Boyle, said: “All the residents are really enjoying the Wii. It is very new to them but they have taken to it instantly.

“The games have encouraged them to be active and have fun. The weather does not always lend itself to taking residents outside for exercise so this ensures they can exercise whenever they wish.”

Dr Lorna Layward of Research into Ageing, said: “We are working with Barchester on the Fitness to Care initiative to help older residents improve overall health.

“Our bodies are never beyond improving and respond surprisingly well to lifestyle changes whatever the age. Keeping fit forms part of a holistic approach to living life to the full in later years.”