A MUM-of-two from Poole has secured fourth place in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness British Championships finals.

Personal trainer Clare Barks, 38, only started competing in April last year in the UKBFF South Coast Championships, but was quickly bitten by the bodybuilding bug.

She told the Echo: “As a very active, competitive person, fitness and the gym have always been a massive part of my life.

“I had competing at the back of my mind for a few years before actually taking the plunge, and I gave myself a year to prepare and step on stage for the first time.”

Clare, whose husband serves in the armed forces, added: “Without much knowledge about competing and having one posing lesson, I threw myself into prep, using only what I knew about training and diet, and with some help and advice from Gary Hill at Primitive Gym in Poole – I somehow managed to take third place in the Bodyfitness category, with an invite to the British finals in 2013 – I was well and truly hooked.”

After placing fifth in the finals, she went on to win her category in the 2014 event qualifiers – securing an invite to this year’s finals which took place in Nottingham on October 11.

Clare, mum to two girls aged 12 and 15 and a self-employed personal trainer, added: “I love the challenges and discipline this lifestyle brings and each time I step on that stage, I want to bring a stronger, more improved physique.

“I am lucky to have such amazing support from my friends, family, my coach, Scott Francis and my sponsors, Skinny Chimp, Scitec Nutrition, Sports Nutrition Warehouse and Pro Grips and know I have their full backing throughout my journey.

“I am now going to look forward to a six-month improvement period and aim to next compete at the UK Nationals in April 2015.”

Rebecca Goodchild, MD of clothing brand Skinny Chimp, said: “I am yet to meet someone so positive, focused and in control of their life.

“Juggling motherhood, a husband in the forces, a career, I have never heard her say the word can’t. Clare is a true inspiration.”