Braintree's MP was quick to sing the praises of a popular athletics club after visiting one of their varied track nights.

James Cleverly visited Braintree and District Athletics Club's (BDAC) Tabor Academy home, where the club explained the ongoing issues with the Panfield Lane facilities.

Training for throw athletes has had to be suspended indefinitely because of unexpected delays to repairs to some of the equipment.

Mr Cleverly made a commitment to contact both the facility site management and the contractor directly.

He also made it clear how impressed he was with the club generally.

"Participating in sporting activities, as I used to do in the Army Reserves, gives you a real sense of belonging and well-being," he said.

"I would encourage everyone out there to give it a go.

"It was really nice to spend an evening with so many enthusiastic and committed people."

BDAC welcome roughly 125 adult and junior members to each of their twice weekly sessions, running a raft of different slots covering all abilities.

Head coach Simon Mennell said: "Our club is definitely family-friendly.

“Often, parents will first see our track when they bring their children to train and then end up becoming members themselves, perhaps track running or joining the club-organised road runs in and around the academy.

“We have a strong focus on health and safety as well as running and track event technique to help our club members improve, so all our volunteer coaches attend England Athletics approved courses before they take responsibility for running training sessions."

Visit www.braintreeanddistrictac.co.uk.