Mrs. Andrea Russell

Andrea Russell, Superintendent Paediatric Physiotherapist at Suffolk Primary Care Trust, said the children taking part have conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypermobility and developmental delay.

"We often do group sessions during the summer holidays and this year we decided to focus on muscle strength," she said.

"Children with any sort of movement disorder, joint or mobility problems do not enjoy the same levels of physical activity as other children which means they are not so strong.

"The aim of the Physiotherapy Summer Strengthening Group is to improve strength in the key muscle groups, such as the hips and knees, which also leads to increased self-esteem and self-confidence."

Mrs Russell said the emphasis during the group sessions was on the children having fun and she was confident that they had enjoyed themselves, as well as benefiting from it physically.

All but one of the children who have taken part in the Physiotherapy Summer Strengthening Group attend mainstream schools and the sessions will help them to do everyday activities like running, jumping and kicking a ball which their more able friends take for granted, she added.