A NEW series of tai chi classes in Hermitage Park begins tomorrow – and anyone is welcome to come along and take part.

The classes, led by a registered instructor with the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, begin on Tuesday, May 2 at 10am at the park's tennis court area.

The classes have been organised as part of the £3.3 million regeneration of the 4.7 hectare park, which got under way in mid-February.

Tai chi, for those who may have heard the name but aren't sure what it means, is a traditional Chinese exercise form dating back hundreds of years and based on slow, graceful movement performed in a relaxed fashion.

Sometimes described as 'moving meditation', tai chi can also be practised as a martial art. More than 150 million people around the world are estimated to practise tai chi on a regular basis to improve their physical and mental health.

Anyone who would like to take part in the first of the tai chi classes is welcome to attend at 10am – a waterproof jacket, gloves, warm hat and flat shoes are recommended (despite – or perhaps because of – this week's nice weather forecast!).

For more on the regeneration of Hermitage Park check out the next issue of the Advertiser – on sale from Thursday, May 4.