Carer Scott Thompson gives some ten-pin bowling coaching to 86-year-old Wynyard resident Marjorie Jones

THE sprightly pensioners at Wynyard Woods Grange, are using the latest video game technology to keep themselves fit.

Ever since staff installed a Nintendo Wii games console at the residential home near Billingham earlier this month the residents have been hooked.

And they love nothing more than spending their afternoons playing a few sets of tennis or indulging in a spot of ten-pin bowling in the lounge.

In fact they have become so competitive that they are even thinking of setting up tournaments against each other.

"It's good fun," said Marjorie Jones, after the 86-year-old had scattered the skittles on her first attempt at ten-pin bowling.

"I knocked a few down but I need a bit more practice. I prefer the tennis though because I used to play way back when I was a school in Hartlepool."

Sheila Carr, 80, played hockey at county level for Durham as a centre forward. She said the games were a great was to keep fit.

"It's a good way to get some exercise when you get a bit older," she explained.

"I've played the tennis quite a bit but today was the first time I've done the bowling. I need to improve though.

"I think I'll have to get into training if we have a competition!"