ANYTHING youth can do, they can do better. Golden oldies living at a Budleigh Salterton nursing home have been taking part in extreme sports on a Wii Fit. Some have become so hooked on the computer game, they have been sneaking out of bed at night to get their fix

ANYTHING youth can do, they can do better. Golden oldies living at a Budleigh Salterton nursing home have been taking part in extreme sports on a Wii Fit.

Some have become so hooked on the computer game, they have been sneaking out of bed at night to get their fix.

The young-at-heart residents have been trying their hand at virtual hardcore sports associated with the younger generation, including skiing and canoeing.

The Nintendo Wii fit game has become such a firm favourite with the residents of Pinewood Nursing Home, the pensioners have been clamouring to play after the game has been switched off.

Resident Judy Lindley, 90, said: "I like being active. I am game for anything. I like all the games. I will give anything a go.

"It's good for your mind and your body."

Wheelchair-bound professional pianist Bob Dimond, 86, said the new equipment meant he could play skittles while sitting down.

"Anything that exercises your brain is good for you," he said. "It's very exciting and easy for old people like me."

Egging each other on to score a bowling 'strike', or navigate a snowy decline, the pensioners take in turns to play.

Pinewood director Philip Sadeghi said the game had been popular since it was installed a month ago.

He said he believed the home was the first in the area where pensioners played the Wii.

Mr Sadeghi said residents' balance and fitness was benefitting from the game.

"The residents have been coming out and playing with it themselves. They have really got into it," he said.

"At the end of the day, they are just having fun.