A 35-YEAR-old woman who recovered from a broken back after discovering yoga is urging others to take up the practice this New Year.

Laura Faye Bell, yoga teacher and events co-ordinator at The Zest Life, runs classes in Trefnant Village Hall and Llandudno and is running free events this January.

When she was 18, whilst on her travels in Australia, Laura broke her back in a boating accident. After being told that she may never walk again, she was prescribed yoga to help repair her back.

Laura, a former Howell’s School [now Myddelton College] pupil, said: “Rehabilitation - that is how I got into yoga and I then went on to train as a teacher myself. It just makes you so much stronger. That is a huge element of it, focusing on strength and elements are quite physical.

“I was in hospital for a long time. I was up and about in a year.

“Four years later, when I was 22, I got my first venue and I started teaching and doing yoga workshops.

“What I would say to anyone is to not be put off by yoga. It can be enjoyed by any age.”

Laura is running free taster morning sessions this January.

The sessions will run in Trefnant Village Hall on Saturday, January 6 from 9.30am until 12pm.

Itinerary is as follows:

Main Hall – 30 minutes – mat based

9.45am to10.15am - Laura - Yoga for energy

10.15am to 10.45am - Claire - Flow and Glow

10.45 to 11.15am - Pam - Ease out your issues

11.15am - 11.45am - Kate - Yoga to de-stress

11.45 to 12pm - relaxation for everyone

Little Room - 15 minutes - Seated chair/cushion/standing

10am to 10.15am - Kate - Try Meditation

10.30am to 10.45am - Pam - Mindfulness

11am to 11.15am - Claire - Seated Yoga

11.30am to 11.45am - Laura - Yoga for bad backs

Booking not required. Attendees are should wear comfy clothes. Mats and refreshments provided. Visit www.thezestlife.co.uk for contact details.