A MUM-OF-TWO has become the world's best female bodybuilder after taking up training just over three years ago.

Lesley Blanchard, 37, from Seaham, County Durham, is a relative newcomer to the sport but has lifted a sting of titles and now has been crowned Miss World at the International Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship.

She flexed her muscles to beat 40 other contenders at the competition staged in Rome.

Lesley was also awarded first place in the Ms Shape challenge out of 11 competitors in the over-35s category.

She was supported at the competition by fiancé Bruce McCall, 46, the owner of the Seaham gym where she trains.

She took up the sport three and a half years ago to boost her self confidence after her first marriage ended.

At a chance meeting with old friend Mr McCall, he encouraged her to join the gym to take her mind off her problems, and their relationship blossomed into a romance two months later.

After winning the title, Lesley has qualified to enter the Miss Universe bodybuilding championship, which will be held next June.

Ms Blanchard, who is mum to daughters Hope, 16, and Abbeyjo, 13, and Mr McCall's sons Jake, 13, and Clay, 20 said: “It was just one big whirlwind. I couldn’t take it all in.

“It was just really overwhelming.

“I’m just going to keep on going and enter into others after putting so much into it, and while I’m in a good condition and feel good.”