Bury-based charity Jigsaw has been awarded £8,000 to get to the heart of the matter.

The grant will allow young adults and their carers to be taught how to eat healthily and keep active so they can become ‘Heart Smart’.

More than 40 people with learning disabilities have so far taken part in the Heart Smart scheme which includes cookery lessons, art classes and healthy walks.

Jigsaw co-ordinator Zoe Fernandez expressed her gratitude to Heart Research UK for the funding.

“The project has been such a success that we’re thrilled to be able to continue with it,” she said.

“Everyone is thoroughly enjoying learning how to keep their hearts healthy and some of the participants have even started writing food diaries so they can monitor what they’re eating and make sure it’s healthy.”

Participants have also been taken on trips to supermarkets in order to improve their health. National Director of Heart Research UK, Barbara Harpham, said she was delighted to support Jigsaw.

She commented: “This is a fantastic programme. It gives young disabled adults the skills, practical knowledge and inspiration to make small but significant lifestyle changes and lead healthier, happier, longer lives.”