BEEFY bodybuilder Eddie Ellwood is encouraging people to keep fit and improve their environment at the same time.

The former Mr Universe has been called in to give some essential fitness advice to teams of volunteers taking part in the North-East's Bloomin' Marvellous project.

When he heard that his home town of Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham, was to be transformed in the two-day Groundforce-style event on July 5 and 6, he wanted to offer those taking part some basic advice on how to avoid strain or injury.

The two days will attract volunteers from the public and from local companies and organisations. They will work together to tidy up wasteland, plant trees and bedding plants and install 5,000 hanging baskets and tubs.

The Bloomin' Marvellous project, aimed at transforming the villages of Horden and Easington Colliery, is the idea of Easington Action Team for Jobs which called on Mr Ellwood to offer some simple exercise advice to people taking part in it.

The five-times Mr Universe, who runs a gym, Ellwood's Fitness, in Hartlepool, said: "Gardening is a great way to keep fit, but it is important to warm up before exerting yourself and to follow five simple steps to getting the best from your gardening keep-fit session.

"Gardening can be a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body needs to be warmed up.

"Start with some gentle neck stretches, shoulder rolls and side bends.

"Side-to-side and forward lunges can be helpful in preventing pain and stiffness in the lower back.

"When pulling weeds or setting out bedding plants, sit on the ground or kneel rather than bend over.

"Don't tackle your biggest, most physically challenging project first. Start with some easier chores and work up to it.

"When your work is done and clean-up completed, take a walk to admire your work. It takes five to ten minutes for the body to return gradually to its resting state."