An afternoon of fun and fresh air at Betteshanger Park was an anonymous gift to help boost the wellbeing of people who suffer with their mental health.

Members of the Talk It Out wellbeing centre in Deal enjoyed a bike ride around the country park followed by a two-course lunch on Saturday.

From bike hire down to car parking, the full day of activities was covered by an anonymous donor in memory of his son.

Founder of the café, Tracy Carr, said: "The donation was from a father who had tragically lost his son. He wanted us to do something memorable and something relevant.

"To see my group members and their family laughing and actually for that moment in time forgetting about their illness was fantastic.

"So I'd like to send a big thank you from all of us to the gentleman who wants to remain anonymous."

Among the members to take part was Brian McInnes from St Maragaret's. He fell into a depression after he lost his wife Susan in July 2016.

Having walked past the door of the Talk It Out café a number of times, he finally plucked up the courage to walk in January 2017 and now attends at least twice a week.

He said: "I haven't looked back.

"Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. There's a great atmosphere there.

"Being on my own, I've have no one to talk to but with the counselling that they offer, everybody talks.

"It's certainly helped me."

The 77-year-old is also a believer in the benefits of the great outdoors, having been brought up in the Yorkshire Dales. He walks, cycles or swims everyday.

"Exercising makes me feel really good," he said.

The afternoon was rounded off with a tour of the MY/PT assault course, run by Jay Ingram.

In keeping with the exercise theme, the Talk It Out members have been offered a free monthly session at the site.

It will be led by fitness instructor Hazel Foster starting from next month.

She said: "After I qualified as a personal trainer a couple of years ago I went and did some additional courses including Mental Health First Aid.

"I learnt how exercise can really benefit people who are suffering with their mental health. It not only releases endorphins but has other positive effects."

The Talk It Out wellbeing centre is based in a room within the Spires Cafe at The Landmark Centre.

Run entirely by volunteers there is peer support from group members and retired psychotherapist Marie Jordan.

It is open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.