A woman from Kent who travelled the world as the living face of one of the gaming industries most iconic figures now runs her own gymnastics company.

Alison Carroll was chosen as the official model of Lara Croft, the main character in the well-known Tomb Raider series, more recognisably played by Angelina Jolie in the hit movies.

The keen gymnast had to perform live TV stunts, act at games conventions and even hang off of the side of cliffs as part of her action-packed role.

She added: “I absolutely loved being Lara and couldn’t believe it when I got selected from the auditions.

“You have to look like Lara, act like Lara and I even had to put on her well-spoken voice which took some doing over my broad Croyden accent.”

“It is great for those gymnasts that go to the olympics and compete, but I want to inspire them and show them what other exciting things they can do" - Alison Carroll

Since leaving the stunt-filled, raider world, the 29-year-old started her own gymnastics school in Sevenoaks.

After founding Lightning School of Gymnastics in 2012 with only four members, Alison has built the team up to 120 gymnasts and eight coaches.

She said: “The coaches and I are all British Gymnastics Qualified and love teaching our students. I feel like they are all my mini crofts - maybe that should have been the school name.

“I wanted to use my experience from my time as Lara to broaden the gymnasts abilities.”

Alison aims to show young athletes that they can do a range of diverse things with their skills, she added: “It is great for those gymnasts that go to the olympics and compete, but I want to inspire them and show them what other exciting things they can do."

The students aged from four to 16, that practice in Walthamstow Hall Senior School on Hollybush Lane, showed off their skills in a display event for proud parents last month.

Miss Carroll used to work as a receptionist in a golf club before she heard the news that she beaten hundreds of others and made the cut for the world-wide role.

She said: “I was working at the club to fund my studies and hobbies, and before I knew it I was dressed as Lara Croft.”

The action lover said she would love to do another role in the gaming world, but for now she is focusing on creating more ‘little Laras’.

For more information, visit: http://www.lightninggymnastics.co.uk/