A WATERSIDE group took part in a national campaign to highlight a condition that affects one in three women.

Pilates teacher Kathy Read, pictured, and some of her pupils supported a new initiative by Incontact and the Continence Foundation, two charities that aim to help people with bladder difficulties.

The charities are staging Pilates Party, a special week aimed at raising awareness of the problem.

Incontinence is often caused by pelvic floor muscle weakness, one of the conditions that Pilates aims to improve.

The increasingly popular form of exercise helps improve posture as well as increasing flexibility and ease of movement.

Kathy, who runs classes at Applemore Leisure Centre, near Hythe, said: "Pelvic floor muscle weakness is an embarrassing problem that affects one in three women.

"By doing Pilates they can start to address the problems they may have as a result of that condition."