A gym trainer who devotes his time to growing the health and confidence of elderly people has won a community hero award.

Sam Torabi, 40, moved from central London to Watford more than three years ago with his family and works at Watford Central Leisure Centre.

He was approached by Watford Borough Council more than two years ago to help them create a class for elderly people with limited mobility.

The group at the Holywell Community Centre takes place every Monday and Wednesday and they learn all types of fitness including weight training and yoga.

Harrow Times:

Photo: Sam Torabi.

Mr Torabi said: “People who have been inactive for a very long time may need encouragement to move and improve their ability.

“The group benefits them as it keeps them moving and in the long term, they can build up muscle mass.

“It also helps to build a sense of community.

"We’re like a family and we have a good laugh.”

Mr Torabi also dedicates his time raising money for Peace Hospice Care within a January challenge which encourages people to transform themselves within 12 weeks each year.

He added: “I also fundraise for them through half marathons. We try to raise as much money for them as we can.”

He also helps run a fitness programme for the rehabilitation and wellbeing centre by Peace Hospice Care that helps patients and their families.

He said: “Peace Hospice work hard and need to raise five million pounds a year to survive and provide their services.

“People think patients just spent their last days at the hospice, but they do much more.

"The work they do is incredible.”

Mr Torabi’s who won this year’s Mayor Award at the Audentior Awards said his goal for 2020 is to go into schools to teach students about fitness.

When told he had won this week’s award Mr Torabi said: “To be honest I don’t think I deserve it.

“I come from a background that everyone in my family had diabetes or high blood cholesterol.

“I have trained all my life and been on mission to help others feel better.

"To take people with no confidence and teach them how to be confident.

“Just to be recognised by the community, I’m over the moon.”