A GROUP of people with multiple sclerosis who enjoy weekly exercise classes in Trowbridge are celebrating, a year after the group began. Currently eight people eight meet every Thursday at 11am at the Wesley Methodist Church on Newtown Trowbridge, for fun sessions led by personal trainer Pete James, of Bath MS groups Lateral Fitness.

Pete, who has been leading the group for a year, began the sessions after running a similar group in Bath for nearly three years. He said: "They're a really fun and active group. Laughter is a great form of exercise here in Trowbridge, as well as the specific exercises of movement used in the classes. We work with people suffering all different stages of MS at all different ages, allowing members to mix with other sufferers of the disease. It's an honor to be a part of and celebrate its success. The group is an absolute pleasure to run."

Sylvia Howard, who was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago, left her job as a midwife at Trowbridge Hospital two years ago and was a founder member. She said: "The sessions are the highlight of my week. I'm so glad I joined we all gel together and get on really well. I don't go out much as walking is my big issue, so meeting the group every week really lifts my mood. We'd love a few more male members at our group as it is female dominated at the moment. Anyone is welcome, we all really enjoy each other's company. "

The newest member of the group, Jamie Dixon, who heard about it through a Wiltshire Times article, and finds it hard to walk due to her MS, was encouraged by the group to do a charity skydive at the Old Sarum airfield in Salisbury. Three weeks ago she took the plunge and raised £9,000 for the MS Therapy Centre in Warminster. She said: "The sessions are wonderful, they make having MS bearable. We can come here and have an hour of laughter and loosen our muscles up. I'm so pleased to celebrate the group as they are so lovely and welcoming."

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact administrator Sara Reeve on 07971 185631. The sessions are free on the first visit and then cost £2.50 per session.