Former civil engineer Terry McDougall has launched Target Health and Fitness to help people stay in shape.

Supported by a grant from Business Matters in South Tyneside, the travelling company is already taking off.

Among its first clients are rugby league side Gateshead Thunder, which has turned to the firm for help to improve its squad's fitness levels.

South Shields-born Mr McDougall said: "I reached my 30th birthday a while ago and thought it was now or never in terms of launching my own business.

"I've always been a keen surfer, and I've always been interested in staying in shape, so running a fitness business just seemed a natural extension of my life.

"I believe the service I offer is unique in that I can travel anywhere in the area and offer fitness services on a one-to-one basis, or as corporate packages.

"I also organise boot camps on South Shields seafront and am planning to launch fitness podcasts on my website."

The new entrepreneur has a wealth of experience in sports and fitness activities, including 10 professional mixed martial arts contests, marathons and surfing events.

Mr McDougall is concerned that many people find keeping fit too costly, and he is hoping to stop money proving an insurmountable obstacle to good health.

He said: "My goal is to make fitness affordable and accessible.

"Some personal trainers can cost the earth, but my services are reasonably priced and are shaped to the needs of my customers."

Target Health and Fitness is making contact with companies and sports clubs in the borough as Mr McDougall spreads the word about his mobile company, believed to be the first of its kind in North East England.

A vast array of fitness equipment, ranging from tractor wheels to weights, is carried on the company's van, which is already making tracks to new customers throughout South Tyneside and beyond.

Special introductory rates are on offer to new customers by visiting the company website at www.targethealthandfitness.co.uk and using the word 'competition'.