FITNESS fanatics are being challenged to see who can pull a 2.6 tonne van over ten metres in the fastest time using just a harness - and some grit and determination. 

Dorchester vehicle rental company, U-Drive Ltd, are sponsoring a challenge with a difference at New Body Fitness Centre on the Granby Industrial Estate. 

The U-Drive Van Pull Challenge in being held in aid of The Friends of Wyvern and will push participants to their limits.

The challenge is part of the Summer Sizzler, an annual event at New Body which includes outdoor gym challenges, a hog roast and a free open day at the fitness centre’s facilities. The gym recently teamed up with U-Drive Ltd to add an old-fashioned strength test to their events and raise money for the local children’s charity. 

Nick Bell, New Body Fitness owner, said: “We’re really looking forward to a fun day - getting our members together for a hog roast and inviting non-members to come and try out our gym facilities for free.

“When U-Drive approached us with the van pull challenge idea, we thought it would be a great addition to our Summer Sizzler and we’re really pleased to be supporting Friends of Wyvern.”

Wyvern Academy is a purpose-built school in Weymouth for children and young people aged from two to 19 with complex needs, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Friends of Wyvern is a group of parents and staff from the school who raise funds for the benefit of the school and children. 

Gemma Brayshaw, from Friends of Wyvern, will be there on the day with a tombola including fantastic prizes and more information about the charity and its work.

Gemma said: “Wyvern Academy is a fantastic schooling environment caring for and educating 80 plus pupils all with complex additional needs. Our aim is to provide an accessible multi-sensory garden with memory tree centre piece and we are so pleased that both U-Drive and New Body Fitness have offered their support.”

U-Drive Ltd is hoping that the van pull challenge could become a regular event.

The Summer Sizzler, held on Saturday, July 23, is open to both members and non-members of New Body but to take part in the U-Drive Pull Challenge you must be over 18. The £5 challenge entrance fees will be donated to the Friends of Wyvern and everyone who takes part will receive a free gift from U-Drive Ltd. Prizes will also be awarded to the fastest male and fastest female to complete the challenge on the day. 

The U-Drive Van Pull Challenge will take place from 10am to 4pm. To pre-book your place on the challenge call 01305 781991 or simply turn up on the day.