A SOUTH Tyneside fitness instructor and her partner are flexing their muscles in defence of their title.
Workers' Educational Association (WEA) tutor Lesley Haswell and Dale Wilson are currently the British champions in the couples section of the Natural Physique Association's (NPA) bodybuilding championships.
The bodybuilding duo are hoping to walk aw
ay from this year's competition in Canvey Island, Essex, next Saturday with their title intact.
Mum-of-two Ms Haswell is also hoping to win the under 55kg weight section, while 28-year-old manager Mr Wilson is aiming for top place in the middle-weight section.
And Ms Haswell, 39, from Fulwell, is also competing in a fitness section in the United Kingdom Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation tomorrow.
She leads a WEA fitness course in pilates at the Centre for the Community in Robinson Street, South Shields, every Wednesday morning.
"I'd like to thank all the terrific people who have come along to my WEA courses," she said.
"They are a brilliant group and lovely to teach. One of the pilates class members has been following me from course to course for eight years.
"My two girls have been very supportive too, and my youngest is coming with me next weekend even though it's her birthday."
Ms Haswell also runs her own business, Physique Management, offering sport and remedial therapy, care for sports injuries and one-to-one fitness training.
She is sponsored by Netrx and by her gym, Fitness 2000.
She added: "I was thrilled to find organisations which require members to be drug-free to compete.
"It's just all sheer hard work, grit and determination.
"At the moment, I'm in training for the British Championship and dieting to keep within the weight limit.
"It's great fun and because we use only natural techniques, it's very healthy too."
Nigel Todd, WEA North East regional director, added: "We're over the moon for Lesley.
"She's a wonderful tutor and has quite a loyal following. The WEA is keen to develop awareness of good health and Lesley's contribution to our adult education programme is invaluable.
"We wish her and Dale every success in defending their championship title as well as in their own categories."
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