A health and sports fair encouraged Colchester Garrison-based soldiers and their families to keep fit and well.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester-based soldiers and their families were encouraged to be clean, fit and healthy at a health and sports fair.Colchester-based soldiers and their families were encouraged to be clean, fit and healthy at a health and sports fair. (Image: Crown Copyright 2015: This image may be used for current news purposes only.)

From American football to dental health and horse-riding to healthy eating, advice on how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle and get involved with sport clubs in the local community were on offer at the garrison’s gym.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Joe Foreshew, in charge of physical fitness and sport for 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “This event has been great to make our soldiers think about healthy living for their families and show them the wide range of sports groups there are in Colchester, for them to either start something new or develop a sport they already do.

“We’ve had a good flow of people through and it’s a real win-win situation for everyone involved. We’re introducing soldiers to opportunities to take part in sport and giving local clubs a pool of fit and active individuals to bring into their teams.”

The Army health team also gave presentations about issues such as mental health and nutrition.

East Anglian Daily Times: Major Nick Burdick from 16 Air Assault Brigade Headquarters, tests out his carbon dioxide levels. Colchester-based soldiers and their families were encouraged to be clean, fit and healthy at a health and sports fair.Major Nick Burdick from 16 Air Assault Brigade Headquarters, tests out his carbon dioxide levels. Colchester-based soldiers and their families were encouraged to be clean, fit and healthy at a health and sports fair. (Image: Crown Copyright 2015: This image may be used for current news purposes only.)

East Anglian Daily Times: Sergeant Regis Nhara, from 16 Medical Regiment, signs onto the Anthony Nolan Trust, whilst Katie Christopher, from the trust looks on. Colchester-based soldiers and their families were encouraged to be clean, fit and healthy at a health and sports fair.Sergeant Regis Nhara, from 16 Medical Regiment, signs onto the Anthony Nolan Trust, whilst Katie Christopher, from the trust looks on. Colchester-based soldiers and their families were encouraged to be clean, fit and healthy at a health and sports fair. (Image: Crown Copyright 2015: This image may be used for current news purposes only.)