A BLIND Hereford man who picked up hula hooping as a hobby has been sharing his new skill with friends and neighbours.

Mark Hebbes, of Sanctuary Supported Living’s Red Coat Close – a supported housing scheme for people with learning disabilities – has been sharing his expertise in hula hooping since acquiring the skill last year.

The 48-year-old, who practices every week, chose Learning Disability Week to share the art with his friends at the scheme, in keeping with the national event’s 2016 theme of relationships.

It was during a workshop from local theatre The Courtyard that Mr Hebbes picked up the skill, when the visiting group taught residents a range of skills including dance, arts and crafts.

Since then, he’s been a keen devotee and practices every week.

Mr Hebbes said: “Taking up hula hooping was definitely tricky at first, there’s no two ways about it – but I decided I wasn’t going to be beaten and stuck with it.

“It’s been great for motivating me and I’ve loved showing other people how simple it is to pick up.”

As a result of his newfound passion, Mr Hebbes was able to raise £59 for Sport Relief in a recent non-stop hula hooping session lasting one hour, which tested his control to the limit.

Taking up the hobby has spurred Mark on to get involve in other activities too – he’s a regular gym user, an avid rambler and also does office-based volunteer work for the Royal Voluntary Service.