A new specialist gym is to open in Dereham after the community became one couple's "everything" 10 years ago.

Patrick and Alex Welsh will be opening the CrossFit-affiliated gym in Tavern Lane later this month. 

The branded fitness regimen involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity, as well as providing nutritional advice.

Mrs Welsh said: "We found CrossFit 10 years ago and it has been our everything since.

"We have been travelling to Norwich and Thetford and thought how great it would be to have one in Dereham.

"We found the perfect unit and the taster day went phenomenally."

Eastern Daily Press: Patrick and Alex Welsh with their sons Oscar and Jack Patrick and Alex Welsh with their sons Oscar and Jack (Image: Alex Welsh)

A personal trainer since he was 19, Mr Welsh, now 43, has been working as a barber in recent years as he struggles with ME.

Mrs Welsh, 34, who was training to be a midwife but had to give up her career when she became chronically ill with kidney failure.

She added: "CrossFit helped us so much to manage our chronic conditions and take part in life.

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"The biggest thing is the community - people become your friends and check in on you when you don't attend classes.

"It has given us something missing in our lives."

CrossFit Silverbeard will be open Monday to Saturday from September 6, with teenage classes launching on September 18.

Monthly memberships start at £49.99, or it is £75 for 10 sessions and more information can be found on their website.