A PILATES instructor is holding a free open air session at the foot of The Dream sculpture in Sutton Manor on International Yoga Day.

After last year's event, which marked the summer solstice, isha Srivastava, from St Helens, is running the event again and intends to make it a yearly fixture.

Nisha, who runs the Northwest Pilates and Yoga Centre in Claughton Street, will teach the first half of the class with doctor-turned-yoga instructor Julia Kurkina concluding it, from 10 to 11am on Sunday, June 19.

Nisha said: "The first time was so successful that I now see this as a yearly event, held as close to the summer solstice as possible, and part of St Helens and its community."

She added: "My background and heritage is from India and the word yoga means 'union'. I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to develop the arts and culture in St Helens as well as bring the community together.

"St Helens is famous for Pilkington Glass, Beechams and coal – I could not think of a better location in the town for the event to be held."

Nisha, who has worked with several Super League teams including Saints and celebrities including Sting, was inspired by events in New York, where each year hundreds of people take part in a yoga session in Time Square to celebrate the solstice.

She said: "I first got the idea for the Dream yoga when the United Nations declared an International Yoga Day."

World leaders adopted International Yoga Day - held each year on the longest day, June 21 - in December 2014.

Men, women and children are welcome to attend the Dream yoga session.

For details or to sign up call 0800 246 1251 or email info@pilates4sport.com.