A former serviceman has turned his attention to promoting physical fitness through his new business.

Andrew Watkinson is leaving the Royal Navy after 23 years of service, and has set up a new business, FitAgain, which aims to not only improve the physical condition of people, but to also improve their mental health and tackle childhood obesity.

Andrew said: "I am excited about leaving the Royal Navy after 23 years working as a helicopter engineer, working my way up through the ranks to Chief Petty Officer.

"During my time in the navy, I have been based on many ships and air stations and have travelled the world which has sometimes taken me to conflict.

"My role has seen me be a winch man rescuing people from the sea, working as a helicopter door gunner, and being involved in a £350 million drugs bust whilst deployed on the HMS Somerset in the Caribbean."

Through his time in the navy, Andrew has trained to become an experienced personal trainer, and is qualified at Master Trainer Level.

Andrew said: "Physical fitness in the nav is hugely important in order to be operationally effective.

"I have formed FitAgain to continue this passion for fitness and provide coaching and expert tuition to help others to become FitAgain."

Throughout the summer, Andrew has been delivering bootcamps in Bridport, Axminster and Lyme Regis, where the main focus is providing fitness through fun games in a friendly atmosphere.

He has also worked to forge links with local councils, and a recent bootcamp he delivered on Lyme Regis Beach proved to be very popular.

It's not just those who wish to get fitter that Andrew is trying to help.

Andrew said: "Over the past two years, I have been volunteering at The Project, which is a support group for young people with mental health difficulties.

"My wife is also a mental health nurse with her own company, delivering mindfulness training and offering physical therapies.

"The combination of this has given me a better understanding of mental health in general, and I have seen the positive effects of exercise on mental health.

"My wife and I have devised a six-week course for children aged eight to 19, teaching strategies to deal with stress including mindfulness techniques and developing emotional residence and linking this with movement and exercise such as boxing.

"We have had some very positive results working with Dorset adoption services and are keen to offer this to other young people."

Andrew is currently building a luxury bespoke gym for small groups and one-to-one clients, which will cover Bridport, Lyme Regis and Axminster.

To find out more about Andrew's business, email admin@fitagain.co.uk or visit fitagain.co.uk