A GYM is hosting a free session this Sunday (April 30) for anyone with special educational needs or learning disabilities.

Ironmasters in Mitchel­dean are holding the closed session from 2pm to 4pm as part of Autism Awareness Month.

They also plan to hold two more ‘supportive and comfortable’ sessions next month in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 8 to 14.

The Saturday sessions are on May 13 and May 27, and also from 2pm to 4pm.

All three sessions are scheduled when the gym is closed to the public in order to encourage people, including those suffering from depression and anxiety, to have a go. Participants can also bring a friend, carer or partner along for free.

Spokeswoman Kelly Bluett said: “We’ve previously run closed sessions for a small number of people who suffer with depression and find it hard to come into the gym when it’s busy.

“These sessions have been incredibly helpful and allowed participants to develop the confidence to start coming in regularly, which in turn has had a positive impact on their mental health.

“Because of this, we wanted to offer some more sessions and open them up to a wider audience.”

Some gym members will also be running the Tewkesbury half marathon on May 14 for mental health charity MIND.

Contact 07880 499747 or email ironmasters@live.

com for more information, or see www.facebook.com/ironmasters.gym.builtstrong