The buddy scheme helping fans return to live gigs

Lee (left) has credited being partnered up with Steve Marshall with helping him enjoy gigs like he used to

A heavy metal fan has praised a local charity for giving him the support he needed to get out and see his favourite bands.

Lee, 45, from Bedford, said he felt isolated due to his mental health until he joined Gig Buddies Bedford, which he said gave him back "a huge amount of freedom".

The befriending project, which is run by the charity Living It Up, supports people with learning difficulties and autism to lead the life they want.

The scheme led to Lee meeting volunteer Steve Welsh, 58, and the friends recently booked tickets to see Alice Cooper and Iron Maiden.

"I isolated myself because of my mental health - and a friend told me about Gig Buddies Bedford, and said they might be able to help me," Lee told the BBC.

Mr Walsh, who began volunteering with the project when he semi-retired, added: "We share similar musical tastes.

"Meeting up with Lee means I’ve got someone to go to gigs with too."

Fizz Heseltine and Marie Bassi from Gig Buddies Bedford

Gig Buddies normally meet twice a month, but the pair now meet up weekly having formed a strong friendship.

Lee said: "I used to be a very active person until I became ill.

"The thought of going to a venue with 60,000 to 70,000 other people would have been too difficult.

"Steve’s friendship has given me back a huge amount of freedom."

Gig Buddies, which has groups across the UK, came to Bedford in 2018.

Marie Bassi, from the group, says the scheme is currently supporting 22 partnerships and is looking to match 12 other people with volunteers.

She said: "We match people who want to do something, with volunteers who have the same interests and want to be there.

"We regularly check in with our Gig Buddies. Lee and Steve’s friendship shows the difference it can make to the lives of everyone involved."

Gig Buddies Bedford will be represented at the BBC 3CR Headfest event which is supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Headfest is taking place at the Quarry Theatre in Bedford on 21 and 22 October.