FORMER Royal Marine PT instructor Barry O’Connell, assisted by Olympic weightlifter Noorin Gulam, ran a military-style fitness festival for Hayes people at Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre on Sunday.

Barry, who is now George Groves’s strength and conditioning coach, marched residents through some gruelling fitness boot camps with the aim of encouraging Hayes to stay healthy and learn ways to exercise.

Noorin Gulam helped run activities throughout the day. He receives support through GSF, the largest athlete support programme in the UK.

The centre, which is operated by GLL, also ran a football session with QPR Soccer School and a dance class with Passion Dance Academy.

Youngsters also enjoyed splashing about in the water during a pool party, and there was free ice cream for everyone who took part.

Over the past 12 months, GLL has introduced a range of services with the objective of tackling inactivity in the Hayes area.

This has been achieved through its partnership with QPR, subsidising junior gym sessions, providing local athletes with funding from the GLL Sports Foundation and organising family activity sessions.

For more information, visit Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre or log on to www.better.org.uk