An Island dance teacher who performed at a bodybuilding challenge last year was so inspired she took up the challenge – and won this year’s contest.

Kate Errington, who is also a model burlesque dancer, stilt walker and fire eater, danced at 2013’s Hercules Olympia.

But the 25-year-old was so impressed by the female participants she opted to change her diet, fitness regime and shape as her ambition took hold.

In just 11 weeks, she trained hard at Ironworks Gym in Park Wood, Maidstone, and dropped two dress sizes, although her weight remained the same.

She then entered the contest, at Charter Hall in Colchester, and won both categories she entered – bikini and model beauty.

Miss Errington, who runs her own dance school, the Katie Jane Dance Academy in Eastchurch, said: “It was literally the hardest thing I have ever done.

“I performed at the event last year and I thought it was inspiring to see the people who’d built their bodies

“I have never done this before in my life and set myself the goal to enter as a personal challenge. Aside from being a dancer, I had never set foot in a gym.

“To say I am pleased is an understatement. I am thrilled, ecstatic, overjoyed.”

In the bikini category, she beat off competition from 29 others.

The Alexandra Street, Maidstone, resident, added: “I am so proud of what I have achieved and in such a small time frame. It is proof that with hard work, determination and willpower, anything is possible and anyone can do it.”