VETERANS and their families can now benefit from a new gym and relaxation area in Weymouth.

The Veterans Hub on Portland Road in Wyke Regis is a charitable organisation with the community at its heart.

With a thriving café serving up tempting tea, cakes and snacks to the general public, founder Andy Price said he also wants to make sure they keep to their original mission, which is to support veterans, armed forces personnel and their families.

With this in mind they have created a private garden and fitness area on the premises for that exact purpose.

Beyond the café's decking area, hidden behind a high fence, is a fully equipped new gym room, open six days per week from 10am - 4pm, plus evening training sessions.

The gym is available for veterans and families to use on an honesty-box policy: the recommended donation is £10 per month, but above all the team wants want to make everyone feel welcome - particularly anyone who may be struggling.

"Our place is about making people feel better - we're not going to demand money from those who can't afford to pay," Andy Price said.

Equipment and weights have been donated by the community, including Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill and New Body Fitness gym in Weymouth, so the gym is already up and running.

"It's mega - it's good - guys and girls have already started using this area but we want to make sure as many people know about us as possible," Mr Price added.

"The whole place tells a story because of the way the community have pulled together.

"We have a fitness instructor one night a week to create free nutrition and workout programmes, as well as counselling and massage therapy offered by the Helping Hands charity.

"There's even a repatriation flag from Camp Bastion [former British army airbase in Afghanistan] that's been upcycled into an armchair cover in our chill out cabin."

Lisa Rushby-Williams, co-director of the Veterans Hub said: "There's an ice-pick on the gym wall that one of our veterans found in his garage. It's been all around the Arctic - he originally gave it to sell in our jumble sale.

"We have well over 100 veterans and their families coming here now. We hope that the new gym will help anyone who is struggling with mental health - exercise is an excellent way to release endorphins and improve wellbeing."