Final whistle for 79-year-old Andover physical trainer 60 years

Colonel John Dagless told the BBC: “One of the things we often say so many times is, ‘I hope I’m half as active and as fit as Barry is at 79’.”

One attendee said she “loves” his fitness sessions.

“His last one, well, emotional that’s all we can say. I am emotional,” she added.

Another man who came down for the final session said it “was an honour” to be there.

“Ten years ago he trained me to climb a mountain,” he said. “I’m still coming to his sessions and thrilled to be here today.”

Mr Atkins spins twice a week, does his own circuits and heads out into the hills on his mountain bike, all things he will continue in retirement.

“My wife is very physically active as well and she’s 80. We’ll go to the gym together and if i don’t want to do Zumba I’ll go and do some weights.”