Members of a military-style fitness group in Stevenage are celebrating five years in the community.

The Comet: Action during a British Military Fitness session in Stevenage. Picture: Sarah CooperAction during a British Military Fitness session in Stevenage. Picture: Sarah Cooper (Image: Archant)

It all started on a bright summer evening at Fairlands Valley Park in 2013, when about 20 people attended the first British Military Fitness session in Stevenage – with members coming in from the existing clubs in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Watford.

They started out under Andy Jones and Jel Bearder, and over the years the class has grown steadily under Luke Wardrop, Anthony Thompson and Simon Betts.

The Comet: Action during a British Military Fitness session in Stevenage. Picture: Sarah CooperAction during a British Military Fitness session in Stevenage. Picture: Sarah Cooper (Image: Archant)

In 2014, the Stevenage club hosted 5k and 10k races in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal – and today it continues to flourish under Sarah Cooper and Tim Levitt.

Ruth Van Hoogstraten, one of the original members, said: “No two classes are ever the same – but I can always count on an excellent workout that challenges my abilities, and a thoroughly enjoyable hour of good company.”

The Comet: Action during a British Military Fitness session in Stevenage. Picture: Sarah CooperAction during a British Military Fitness session in Stevenage. Picture: Sarah Cooper (Image: Archant)