Blackburn with Darwen addiction support group Spark has hosted its annual Recovery Olympics.

Nearly 100 clients and colleagues got involved in the CrossFit-inspired games.

The Olympics-inspired event is held every year to celebrate National Recovery Month – a big awareness occasion in the recovery community calendar.

Gruelling activities took place throughout the afternoon, including a team cardio challenge, group exercise, and a relay race with a twist.

Joanna Clarke, service manager at Spark based in St John’s Court in Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, said: “It was great to see so many people, colleagues and members of the local recovery community coming together to connect and have fun.

"The turnout demonstrates the wonderful recovery community we have in Blackburn with Darwen.

“This is just the first of many events for us in September, we hope to see more people join us as we continue to celebrate Recovery Month.”

The event was hosted by the 180 Project and held at Delta Fox, Blackburn with Darwen's first ‘official CrossFit box’ in Albert Mill in Lower Darwen.

The space offers the perfect environment for weightlifting, expert coaching and fitness.

In 2019, DeltaFox partnered with The 180 Project which offers a unique programme for those in recovery from addiction, thanks to which clients from Spark attend weekly CrossFit sessions.

CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness programme that incorporates elements from several sports and types of exercise, including weightlifting and cardio.

Experts think regular physical activity can act as a healthy stand-in for addictive substances because exercise and addictive substances work on similar parts of your brain.

Spark, Blackburn with Darwen’s recovery collaborative, provides alcohol and drug recovery services and is part of the Burnley-based Calico Group.

It provides a range of services - including harm reduction, outreach, support groups and treatment plans - to help individuals, families and harder-to-reach communities create a life beyond drugs and alcohol.

Spark is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council.