A North East independent gym owner has been left buzzing after his business has advanced to the final to scoop a British Fitness Award later this year.
Micky Donkin,38, has operated Evolution Fitness in Houghton le Spring for the last six years - and has since become a well known 24 hour feature of the high street.
Relocating to Empire House on Newbottle Street last July, the gym has grown from strength to strength and is now up for the Independent Gym award in the tenth annual British Fitness Awards.
Having now made it through to the shortlist, Micky's spot at the final at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on September 14 for the awards ceremony - and he's over the moon about it.
Micky told the Echo: "We are really excited and happy to go down and see what the finals bring. It’s great to be recognised for what we do.
"There are so many gyms around the country and a lot of them are independent but we have always had a strong community ethos which has certainly played a role in getting into the finals. It’s our community paying back."
Since the news has been announced, Micky says there has been a huge sense of anticipation as the final is just months away.
Recommended:
He added: "There has been a buzz around it at the gym. September feels like a million miles away but it’s something we are really looking forward to.
"I want to say thank you to everyone who has voted for us. For them to take a few minutes out of their day and vote for us to get us through to the finals really means a lot to us."
Micky also confirmed the business is in talks to expand to Durham in the near future as negotiations continue.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here