LAUREN CALLADINE has become a dual world champion just weeks after entering her first ‘bikini physique’ competition.

Lauren, 22 and from Poulton, collected both the Miss Bikini and Bikini Short world titles at the show put on by promoters Pure Elite at the O2 in London.

Pure Elite are the fastest-growing bikini, fitness and muscle model competition sponsors in Europe and Lauren, who is training to become a midwife, saw off rivals from around the world.

The former Farmor’s School (Fairford) pupil hopes to retain her world titles in 2017.

“I began training in the gym four years ago as a hobby and a way to stay fit,” said Lauren.

“My partner Ryan Spackman competed in a physique competition and I loved the atmosphere at the show and the support and positivity among the competitors so much that I had to go down the same route myself.

“Training for my first bikini competition began in June with my coach Paul Rimmer who created a personalised intensive training regime and diet plan for me each week.

“My first Pure Elite show came in October when I entered for Miss Bikini (women aged between 17-23) and Bikini Short (women under 5’ 5” in height).

“The judges look for a lean body with low body fat and you are also judged on your stage presence, as well as posing, hair, make up, tan and bikini.

“A week prior to my first show, I decided to sign up for a second show the following week with a body building federation known as PCA.

“The training became extremely strict – two sessions a day, six days a week in the gym as well as keeping to a very controlled diet.

“This was all while I continued working part-time as a supervisor in retail and studying at college to become a midwife.

“I plan to go to university next September to pursue my midwifery studies.

“The debut event saw me gain a win and a second place to earn a professional card and qualify for the world championships at the O2 arena.

“I went on to finish fifth in the bodybuilding event and gained an invite to the British Championships which will be held in June, 2017.

“Competing at the Pure Elite world championships was an incredible experience and I feel very proud to be part of such a supportive and successful team.

“My plans next year are to compete in the PCA British Championships and I will definitely be returning to the Pure Elite stage to maybe conquer a new category like ‘fitness model’ and to try and retain my titles for another year.”