FINDING peace and happiness among the hustle and bustle of the 21st century can prove elusive, but one solution being offered in Crewe comes from a Buddhist monk.

The Amitayus Buddhist Centre in Ruskin Road has gone from strength to strength since it opened a decade ago.

It is now offering a string of classes on meditation and positive thinking to help people through the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Converts to Buddhism range from rock stars and Hollywood actors to high-flying company bosses and nervous students facing exams.

The centre's leading lights claim meditation and relaxation techniques not only solve the stresses of everyday life but can also lead to spiritual enlightenment.

Peter Willets, who works at the centre, got involved when he turned his back on the headaches of running his own business and went in search of 'something with more meaning'.

Despite protests from residents when the centre first opened, Peter said there was now a more positive response towards it.

The classes are run by Kelsang Jigme, a Buddhist monk who has been studying and practising meditation for many years.

He has been the centre's resident teacher for a year and is known for his down-to-earth approach and clear teaching methods.

Classes are conducted in an informal manner, sat on chairs rather than cross-legged on the floor as one might expect.

Jigme begins the sessions with guided meditation, followed by a talk on positive thinking or Buddhist teachings which can be applied to situations in daily life.

The Amitayus movement was founded in 1985 by Tibetan meditation master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

He explained: 'The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we shall be free from worries and mental discomfort, so we shall experience true happiness.'

* The Amitayus Buddhist Centre is at 173 Ruskin Road in Crewe. Classes are held every Friday from 7pm to 8.30pm with an introductory talk this Friday.

For more information phone the centre on 01270 664050.