A new life drawing class has started up in Weymouth - but it's not all about art.

Class tutor Andy Smith says the sessions are specifically designed to promote body positivity and boost mental health.

The Thursday night classes are held at the former Waverley pub, which has recently been transformed into a community hub.

Mr Smith, creative director of East Boro, which runs the Waverley, has previously taught life drawing at an art school.

He said: "There's been a lot of studies that compound how how good life drawing is for mental health.

"Social media has had a massive impact on the way we see bodies - young people have never seen anything besides highly polished, airbrushed images.

"I think it's really important for people just to be able to see a naked person in a non-sexual setting.

"People are often apprehensive before their first session, but you become so focussed on drawing you quickly forget it's a naked person - there's nothing voyeuristic or seedy about it.

"There's a similarity to meditation or mindfulness once you get in the zone, which can be really beneficial for mental health.

"Even if you've never drawn before, it's not a formal class - there's no judgement.

"Each session includes drawing exercises that put beginners on a level with more experienced artists."

Weymouth resident Nicola Appleton had previously attended the first session.

She said: "I'm outside my comfort zone but I wanted to learn a new creative skill and experience life drawing.

"I took up painting around four years ago - that was the first time I'd made any art.

"I'm keen to keep coming to this class. It's good to have instruction and feedback - it's all done in a very positive and encouraging way - you leave feeling good about what you've drawn.

"It's a great way to experience life drawing in a safe space - I wasn't sure whether it might be awkward but it's a really relaxed environment - everyone's really friendly.

The life drawing model was happy to be interviewed but asked to remain anonymous. He said: "I've studied art all my life and did some life modelling when I was 19 - I was a lot more confident then and wanted to prove I could still do it.

"This class is a great way to promote body positivity and show that we're all essentially the same underneath."

'Go Figure - Body Positive Life Drawing' is on Facebook, or for more information email andysmith@ebht.org.uk