Ambitious Becky Williamson is aiming to muscle in on the body building big time.

The Westhoughton-born mother of one has set her sights firmly on reaching the pinnacle of the amateur ranks.

Becky, 34, who has lived in Chorley for the last eight years, came runner-up in her section at the National Amateur Body Building Association (NABBA) Britain finals last month, held at Southport Theatre and Floral Hall.

In April she scooped the North West title and is now back in full training for a tilt at the Universe finals, also in Southport in October.

She finished second in the trained figure' section at the British finals, and was delighted with her placing.

She was runner-up in last year's Universe event and although she knew she had a lot more work to do, having taken a couple of years out from the competition circuit, the feedback from the judges was very positive.

"I was really pleased to come runner-up," said the former personal trainer, a single mum, who took up bodybuilding initially to lose weight and tone up before being spotted by a nutrition company who offered her a sponsorship.

"I put a lot of hard work in. For four months, I sacrificed my friends, my social life, virtually everything. But it was worth it."

Her strict and punishing training regime is very tough and requires immense dedication and commitment.

"I do about three to five hours training every day as well as working full time as a cook in a local pub."

Becky trains at the Ironman Gym, Preston, and puts in hours of cardio work on the stepper' at her terraced Chorley home where she lives with the true love of her life, her young son Hayden, seven, and pet terrier, Zak.

"Hayden's my rock, without him I couldn't have done it," stressed Becky, who also paid tribute to John Bridge, owner of Ironman, other supporters at the gym and all the close friends who have cheered her on.

Come this autumn, Becky could well have more than the world at her feet - it could be the Universe!