A MOTHER of two has pumped up more than her confidence by representing her country in an international physique competition only 11 months after starting to lose weight.

Bewdley woman Isobel Ward has returned from a successful foray into international building in Spain where she showed off her newly-toned muscles after shedding three stone of fat. Isobel Ward proudly displays the trophy she won in the English Physique Federation's qualifying competition.

And the 34-year-old history degree student is determined to take her new pastime even further after astonishing friends and family with her rapid progress.

Miss Ward returned from Oviedo on Monday where she scooped a trophy for coming second in the over-62kg women's physique category and a medal for success in the mixed doubles when she was teamed up with a male English partner.

She was surprised just to be there - competing against body builders from 19 European countries, many of whom had more than a 10-year head start on her - having won a qualifier held by the English Physique Federation in Halesowen days before. Pumping up her confidence: Isobel Ward.

"I only entered to get a taste, to see what competitions are like. It's a bit of a shocker really," Miss Ward said.

The former Bewdley High School student, who now studies at Worcester University, was overweight 11 months ago - and puts her success largely down to brother Giles, who has been body building for nine years.

He is her training partner four times a week at Unique Fitness in Mill Street, Kidderminster. Miss Ward also thanks the gym's Garth Bayliss, who has co-ordinated her strict diet.

"I started training and had rapid muscle growth. It must be genetic," she said.

"I drink nine litres of water and eat 35 egg whites and 200 grammes of potatoes a day in the weeks leading up to a competition."

Single mum Miss Ward said her children - Faye, 15 and seven-year-old Camille - were very supportive of her hobby, which she wants to take further by building up her muscles even more.

She is due to start the final year of her degree in September and has already set her sights on entering more competitions, starting with one in Portsmouth next week.

"I lost three stone in fat and I have really shocked everyone.

"I feel fantastic - I have more confidence, I feel proud of myself," Miss Ward added.