In light of research showing that exercise can help stave off the effects of old age, Westminster City Council have opened their premier ''pensioners playground.''

With more pensioners staying in their homes and opting for the help of those in domiciliary care jobs, rather than going into care homes, this innovative scheme will surely be welcomed by the NHS and pensioners themselves - helping to keep them fit well into their twilight years.

The £50,000 facility in Hyde Park features a cross-trainer, sit up bench and toning machines, designed to gently exercise every part of the body. Custom-built in Denmark, the machines are specifically designed for older adults, keeping them active without being too strenuous.

Funded by The Royal Parks and Westminster Council, the facility was requested after consultation with the Knightsbridge Resident's Association, who believed that older people could use an outside gym as a place to exercise and socialise.

Spokesperson for the Association, Madeline Elsdon, was cited in the BBC as saying: ''There are so few facilities for older people in our parks and many older people find indoor gyms expensive and intimidating with all that firm flesh on show - we proposed a fun outside gym for those who are still young at heart and want to exercise.''