The local fitness equivalent to Joe Wicks will be staging his first live PE lesson for children tomorrow (Wednesday April 15) morning.

But while The Body Coach focuses on fitness, Ian Groves' lesson is about learning new skills, with the emphasis on improving agility, balance and coordination.

Ian's company, IG Sports Coaching, provides PE lessons for a host of primary schools and nurseries - including several in Frome - during term time and fun holiday clubs for youngsters aged four to 11.

When the coronavirus lockdown meant non-essential businesses had to close, Ian initially started online PE lessons via YouTube in the hope of providing an income for his 15-strong team.

When the Government stepped in to enable him to furlough staff, he decided to continue with two online primary PE lessons and one pre-school session a week - but is now giving the money donated by viewers to NHS Charities Together, currently supporting staff and volunteers caring for coronavirus patients.

"Tomorrow will be the first live lesson and I'm both excited and a little nervous," admits Ian, who lives in Frome.

"I've done around 10 online lessons and, to be fair, the last one had a lot less bloopers than the first so I'm getting into my stride.

"Like the other PE lessons it is designed for four to nine-year-olds, but anybody can take part - including grown-ups.

"It will just be me and a camera set up on a tripod. Although I will be in contact with a colleague via a headset."

Weather permitting, Ian will be filming live from his garden and hopes viewers with outdoor space will get out in the fresh air too.

The half-hour lesson will start at 11am and Ian is encouraging youngsters to don their school PE or sports team kit.

Basic equipment is needed:

at least one, but preferably two, balls per person

six socks

10 sealed plastic bottles, with two inches of water, numbered one to 10 - or as many as you can get your hands on

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning and, if it proves popular, then I may make a live lesson a weekly feature," added Ian.

"Donations to NHS Charities Together would be greatly appreciated, but not necessary.

"I just hope the lesson gets people moving and having fun," added Ian.

The lesson will be streamed on Facebook Live from IG Sports Coaching's Facebook page here:

his site