YOUNGSTERS aged two to five led the way in demonstrating the art of tai chi in Alton’s Public Gardens on Saturday, with a session of the marital art guided by tutor Sue Kelly.

The event celebrated world tai chi and qigong day and was organised by East Hampshire Leisure and Learning at Alton Community Centre. As well as the pupils from the centre’s pre-school, students from all of Sue’s classes were there to show an art that has its origins in ancient China.

It isn’t just training for young people but for all ages as was demonstrated when several of the crowd who gathered also took part in the exercises.

Marie Nottridge, who organised the one-hour session with Sue, said: “We held it to celebrate tai chi and qigong day – ‘one breath’ – which was being held all over the world and I was like ‘wow’ when I saw people turning up as we didn’t know before hand if anyone would come.

“We had over 50 and quite a few joined in and it was such a success we are going to hold another one next year.”

As they were shown the various exercises Sue, who holds classes in both Alton and Alresford, explained the benefits of both tai chi and qigong which can also be done while seated and is a wonderful aid to help those with arthritis or mobility problems and those recovering from a stroke.

Marie said: “I do a one-hour session a week and I not only benefit from the exercise but it relieves me of all stresses and strains.”