FIVE fitness fanatics from the Vale sprayed on the tan and headed to Wales to compete in a body building competition.

The team, who were sponsored by Vanity is Perfected (VIP) in Evesham, had been set to compete in a local competition but when it was cancelled they all headed to Port Talbot where the United Kingdom Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (UKBFF) competition was being held.

For the four men in the team it was the first time they had ever competed in such a competition but Melinda Cooksey, a personal trainer at VIP, has been involved before.

The 29-year-old former runner entered the world of fitness and body building and has taken it by storm.

At the competition she took part in the tall bikini competition and came second and will now take part in the British final on Saturday, October 19, in Harrogate.

She said: “VIP had sponsored the five of us to take part in the Worcester Mr and Mrs competition but it didn’t take place so we ended up driving to Port Talbot in Wales to compete in the United Kingdom Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation competition.

“It was the first time for the four guys to get on stage and compete.

“They were amazing. Sean Reynolds took part in the classic body building, the largest category on the day with 18 competitors, and the other three boys all did short physique.

“It was great and they are all planning to do another competition in a couple of weeks.

“UKBFF was quite a big competition for the guys to all jump into but they did brilliantly.”