Pensioners at a Diss day centre have been honing their sporting skills following a grant from a Norfolk turkey producer.

Users of the Age UK Norfolk service at the Denny Centre have been making the most of an outdoor deck shuffleboard game, thanks to a �450 grant from Bernard Matthews Farms.

The facility, in Thomas Manning Road, was awarded the money as part of the second round of donations from the Bernard Matthews Fund, which supports community and voluntary groups across Norfolk, north Suffolk and Lincolnshire.

The scheme is administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation and has provided �10,000 of grants to rural charities and initiatives since its launch last October.

Judith Head, day services coordinator at Age UK Norfolk, said there had been a 'really good' reaction to the shuffleboard, which is also suitable for people using a wheelchair.

'Since we got the game six weeks ago, we have been making use of the good weather and using it in the garden but it can also come indoors for the winter. It provides an opportunity for everyone to get some physical exercise and fresh air. A number of sessions have been very competitive,' she said.

The grant comes after users asked for more activities at the Age UK Norfolk facility, which runs a number of services at the Denny Centre, included meals, hairdressing, manicures, pedicures, chiropody, massage, computer access and a programme of entertainment. There is also a monthly group for people with dementia.

For more information, visit www.norfolkfoundation.com/Bernard-Matthews-Fund.htm or call the Norfolk Community Foundation on 01603 623958.