We are now 10 months into the pandemic, which means personal trainer Laura Prosser has been holding exercise classes for her Chandlers Way neighbours in their communal garden for almost a year.

When Nub News first reported on the story, Laura had just been forced to close the Sully crossfit gym she had been running for six years due to the pandemic.

Formerly a Wales international scrum half, Laura, like many others, has been forced to adapt to survive the pandemic.

"When I had to close the gym, it was really sad times," she tells Nub News.

"But we've changed our business model to HomeTrain, which is what I do now. We're just trying to get people moving at home.

"I used to come out here and train and someone just said: 'you should put something on for all of us'. And I just though, why not.

"I put a little leaflet around and it just happened, everyone came out and I did it for free. They all bought me a present to say thank you - this little speaker."

In addition to keeping the community fit, the classes have had all sorts of positive side effects.

Laura has created a space for neighbours - who were previously insulated from one another in a typically modern fashion - to become friends.

"It got everyone out. We had a Bingo night, a quiz night. It brought everyone together.

"We carried it on all through last year three times a week, which is kind of mad. We're still doing it now!"

Upon the insistence of participants, Laura now charges for her classes.

When Nub News attended a class this morning, this reporter was struck by the diversity of age groups taking part - from young children to pensioners.

"The hardest thing for me is that there were so many levels of fitness, but you just have to give people different options," says Laura.

"This time last year we did a workout for Captain Tom, and now we're doing it today to pay our respects.

"I now do workouts in my kitchen, so people can just press play and watch from home."

Among the attendees is Aston.

"It gives you structure, a bit of routine for your day, and obviously improves your fitness too.

"I just used to know the people next door, but now I know everybody!"

Laura says she hopes the classes continue long after the pandemic is over.

"Fitness is now more important than ever - healthy mind, healthy body, and being fit protects you from COVID.

"Penarth has been the best placed to be for a pandemic. Everyone is so nice and they really care about each other. That's why I love doing this, because it's just great."

HomeTrain is run by Laura and her business partner. It is an online fitness program designed for people with minimal training time, space and equipment.

For more information, follow THIS link.