Life-prolonging rehabilitation courses for dozens of residents have been reinstated following a Wimbledon Guardian campaign.

Pensioners recovering from bypass surgery, angioplasty and even heart attacks contacted this paper in April after exercise sessions prescribed by doctors were cancelled at Canon’s Leisure Centre in Mitcham.

For more than three months neither Merton Council or the centre’s operators - Greenwich Leisure Limited - provided a qualified cardio-instuctor sparking anger and frustration.

But last week a replacement was finally found, and red-tape preventing pensioners taking part without a new doctor’s referral was resolved, allowing the classes to recommence.

Joyce Bellamy, 71, said: “The campaign worked wonderfully, the classes are going ahead, and we thank the Guardian so much.

“It’s so important and I think there were about 18 people at the first session back. It not only increases life expectancy but helps people return to normality after treatment.

“It was unthinkable to prevent the classes from reopening. I guess the council didn’t realise how strongly we felt and just how important the classes are.”

Richard Bellamy, 77, added: “We’re all absolutely delighted, I’m just glad common sense prevailed. There was even a debate in Parliament recently about how important cardio-rehabilitation classes are.”

Councillor Martin Whelton, cabinet member for community and culture said: "We know how valuable these classes are to residents in rehabilitation and it’s great news that we now have a permanent instructor in place to ensure the classes continue. Our main priority is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and we'd like to thank every user who has taken the time to get clearance from their doctor to participate. I hope that participants find their involvement in the class to be both a safe and enjoyable experience."