FORMER Royal Marines in Evesham who set up an outdoor commando-style fitness class earlier this year have been surprised by its popularity.

Tom Albutt and Ben Barnett have both experienced the gruelling physical commando training of the Royal Marines at first-hand and now work as Personal Trainers.

Since setting up their boot camps, AB Fitness, clients have travelled from as far away as Stoke on Trent to the Vale to take part in challenging physical activity in the countryside.

Demand for the training is such that the pair has added extra sessions on weekday evenings as well as weekends.

Mr Albutt said: "We know that by spending an hour with us, our recruits will feel they have been pushed into tough physical work and will end up tired but very pleased with themselves for making the effort.

"By putting in maximum effort, we promise our recruits that they will walk away with their heads held high and an enormous sense of achievement.

"We work at a pace, to keep heart-rates high with our recruits burning off calories whilst improving their mental and physical strength as well as cardiovascular fitness levels."

Mr Barnett added: "The sessions are a fun way towards fitness without being stuck in the confines of a gym or pounding the miles on boring roads.

"Everyone who’s come along has told us what a great time they’ve had and they’ve all left smiling at the end."

The classes take place in the countryside at Manor Farm Glamping site, near Aston Somerville, and are scheduled for an hour up to four times weekly.

For more details visit mudandsweat.co.uk.