DELEGATES at the biggest event in nursing's calendar have been taking in the sea air for an innovative programme of health and wellbeing activities.

Almost 4,000 people are currently in Bournemouth for the Royal College of Nursing’s annual congress.

Many of them have been enjoying activities including outdoor yoga and seafront walks, which get delegates out of the hotels and BIC to enjoy exercise in the fresh air.

Each day has started with a choice of a ‘wake up beach walk’ or ‘sunrise yoga on the beach’, combining yoga, stretch, balance and core work, at 8.15am.

After a day of debates and fringe events, delegates can enjoy a guided ‘wind down beach walk’.

Rebecca Hoole, RCN conference and events organiser, said: “Nursing staff spend so much of their time caring for other people, so we wanted to provide them with an opportunity to take time out and look after themselves.

“This led to the creation of the health and wellbeing programme of events which take place throughout congress to encourage our members to take time out for themselves.”

Business Events Bournemouth, the body set up to promote the town as a conference destination, has been working with the organisers to set up the programme of events.

It said that by incorporating physical activity into the four-day programme, it was helping attendees “unwind, refresh and invigorate before, during and after conference sessions”.

For the town’s conference and hospitality businesses, the sessions have the added bonus of impressing upon delegates the fresh air and spectacular coast that can give it the edge over competing resorts. An enjoyable stay at conference can prompt delegates to visit again just for pleasure.

Pat Coyne, BH live’s director of venues and spokesman for the Business Events Bournemouth partnership, said: “Organisers are looking for added value through extra special experiences to get the most out of the event destination.

“By looking beyond the traditional footprint of venue finding and harnessing activities unique to the region, we are adding an extra spark to each event which, in turn, boosts Bournemouth’s reputation as a major event destination.”