Jewish sports and well-being groups are being encouraged to apply for some of the £1 million in unused cash from a Bury Council drive to get women exercising.

The "I Will If You Will" campaign was targeted to spend £2.38 million of Lottery and Sport England cash by September and the low disbursement has attracted criticism.

One £1,000 grant has gone to Manchester Jewish Community Care, which provides assistance for the elderly. Manchester Maccabi has rented a room for a pilates class through the campaign but treasurer Bernie Yaffe reported a general difficulty in getting funding released.

"We are currently working with Bury with a view to stepping up activities. We also had a meeting with Sport England to talk about opportunities to unlock funds."

Fitness trainer Caroline Pakter - who runs a women's Zumba class at Maccabi and a "Frumba" version for Orthodox women - urged communal groups to apply. "Within our community there are limited places where people can go to exercise close by, especially Orthodox women who need to have the right environment."