A fitness fanatic has moved to the front of the class and his new business has a twist – his stationary bikes are mobile.

Retained firefighter Matt Meek has qualified as a personal trainer and launched Bike Sidmouth to take his 18 spin bikes around Devon.

He has used his contacts in the emergency services to keep his desk-based colleagues healthy and he will soon be starting classes at Stowford Community Centre.

Matt, who is also a part of the urban search and rescue team based at Clyst St George, said: “I love to cycle. For the last year I’ve been doing spin classes and really enjoyed them. Now I’ve made the decision to start my own.

“No one else is doing mobile spin classes around Sidmouth – it means I can be as flexible as I like.

“I’m doing morning and evening sessions. I’m hoping the 7am will have a lot of people coming along, then they can go home, shower and go to work.

“If I get enough people coming along I’ll up the number of classes.”

The 39-year-old said all he needs to hold a class is a hall, then he pulls up his trailer and unloads the 18 spin bikes – and sees their 50kg weight as just another element to his exercise.

A mums group is interested in childcare while they have a spin class and Matt also hopes to share the benefits with schools.

He holds lunchtime sessions at the fire service HQ, saying: “It gets the adrenaline and endorphins going. It’s great for wellbeing and team building – it brings people together.

“It’s for all levels of fitness, from sofa sitters to Olympians. You work at your own pace.”

Matt, a former Sidmouth Lifeboat crew member is married to Sidmothian Nicola, nee Harper. They have two children, Taya, seven, and ‘whirlwind’ four-year-old Ruben and live in Primley Paddock.

Classes at Stowford Community Centre are at 7.30pm on Tuesdays and 7am on Thursdays. Text Matt on 07449 170992 to book a place.