TOAN by name, tone by nature.

Falmouth bodybuilder Nicole Toan has committed herself to her sport for four years now, having been a keen dancer during her teenage years.

The 27-year-old, who moved to the town from Belfast to be with her boyfriend Gavin Honeychurch several months ago, says it is a fast-growing sport for women.

"As a personal trainer, I used to have lots of women ask me how to lose fat. Now they want to be shaped, it's more about muscle than weight loss."

Nicole's life is a disciplined one, with up to £60 a week spent on the correct foods, with vitamins and supplements purchased on top. Ahead of a competition she doesn't drink alcohol and has to politely decline social events, as she trains twice a day to perfect her physique.

"It all started when a friend asked me to enter a competition in Belfast. I had to borrow a bikini, tan and make-up as it was my first event, but I walked on stage and won. I was hooked from then on.

"I like performing on stage - I do a routine with dance incorporated and I feel like a different person while I'm doing it. I'm nervous before I go on stage but that all goes when I'm out there. It's all about the performance."

A slipped disc in her neck, caused by training, has hindered her progress, but she is still hopefully of competing in a World Beauty Fitness and Fashion UK (WBFF) event in London in May. Her dream is to share the stage with her idols at the tenth anniversary of the WBFF Worlds in Canada later in the year.

Nicole, who is also a freelance model, also likes to box to keep fit, as well as playing football for Falmouth Town Ladies. BBC Northern Ireland made a documentary about her recently, which can be seen on BBC iPlayer under True North - All for Show.

Anyone interested in being trained by her can call 07720 887359 or email NT_Management@hotmail.com