SLIMMING champion and expert cook Marion Hoyle has managed to combine her two great passions without any fear of contradiction.

She's opened a low-calorie bistro next door to a gym. Her latest venture, Unique Lite Bite Bistro in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, is a dream come true for the 57-year-old businesswoman. At a time when many people are thinking about retirement, Marion decided to fulfil her long-standing ambition and open a restaurant where people can eat everyday food and not worry about the consequences.

Leader of Chester-le-Street District Council Malcolm Pratt was on hand to declare the bistro, which is open to all members of the public, officially open.

Marion said: "I've always thought that people should be able to eat ordinary food and still lose weight. I set out to prove this with my weight loss company Slimming Unique and when Paul Brown, who owns Heathlands Gym, suggested I open a bistro at the gym I jumped at the chance."

The menu is made up of Marion's own recipes and includes mince and dumplings, pork pies, tortilla wraps and creamy lime pie.