NORDIC walking and indoor golf are among the new challenges being offered to people looking to get fit this year.

Classes open to York residents in the next month also include one that helps people go from walking to jogging.

They are being run by the sport and active leisure team at City of York Council to inspire people to be more active in a way they enjoy.

Especially popular is the indoor golf course, which started at the beginning of January and sold out so quickly another is due to start in February.

The course at Burnholme Community Sports Hub runs from 7pm to 8pm on February 23 and will last for five weeks.

Cllr Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “At this time of year many residents are making their New Year resolutions to become more active and work towards their 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

"This popular course offers participants the chance to learn or improve their golf skills, in an indoor environment during the winter months."

The sessions are led by a PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) qualified professional who will help improve golfing technique and confidence in the game and is suitable for adult beginners or those returning to the sport. The programme costs £25 for five sessions and includes the use of equipment.

People are also invited to take part in a Nordic Walking course in Rowntree Park which uses special poles to enhance walking style, with an upper body technique similar to that of cross country skiing. The next course runs each Friday from February 6 to 27.

The session starts at 2pm and costs £20 including pole hire.

Meanwhile, people who are new to jogging are invited to start a ten week course, which will take them gradually from walking to being able to jog 5km.

The group will meet at 6.30pm in Rowntree Park car park every Tuesday and the course costs £10.

• Take part in the golfing course, contact Nick Settle, sports participation officer, at nick.settle@york.gov.uk or call 01904 553377.

• To take part in the Nordic Walking course, contact Gillian Chefrad by emailing gillian.chefrad@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 553377.

• To take part in the walking to jogging course, contact Dean Sharp on 01904 553377 or e-mail dean.sharp@york.gov.uk