A legendary TV fitness instructor gave a Dengie care home resident a birthday to remember yesterday (Wednesday, 22 September), with a surprise workout.

Mr Motivator, 69, led a birthday workout and celebration for Marion Watson, who turns 102 this week, at Down Hall Care Home in Bradwell-on-Sea.

Marion expressed her wish last year to meet Mr Motivator, who promised he would come to see her as soon as it was possible.

One year later, Marion's dream came true after Colchester Borough Council, the Essex FaNs Network - a charity which supports care home residents - and Mr Motivator's online club, which is designed for older people, organised the birthday workout.

Mr Motivator said: "Your wellbeing is a way of life. It's never too late to start your fitness journey and age is no barrier.

"The most important thing you can have is an independent, healthier you.

"You must not underestimate the impact that exercise can have on your mental and physical wellbeing.

"There is a curative power to exercise and those who are least active stand to benefit the most from their health and happiness."

Colchester Borough Council and the FaNs Network received funding from Active Essex's Find Your Active campaign to provide 27 local care homes with the opportunity to subscribe to the Motivation Club.

The scheme aims to get older residents moving and taking advantage of the benefits of a more active lifestyle.

The Motivation Club also extends beyond physical exercise to offer expert advice on sensible eating and mental wellness, while providing a community to help members battle loneliness, particularly in older people.

Mr Motivator made the surprise care home visit to celebrate Marion's milestone birthday and to launch the campaign.

Councillor Beverley Oxford, portfolio holder for communities at Colchester Borough Council, said: "We are delighted that Mr. Motivator is launching this partnership work with such an exciting birthday celebration workout.

"Exercise is so important to both physical and mental wellbeing, particularly in older people.

"It is a great opportunity for people to get moving amongst friends, doing an activity which is fun and tailored to their needs."

The workout follows on from a Zoom pilot held by Mr Motivator while Covid restrictions were tighter, which encouraged hundreds of care home residents across the county to get active.