POSTMAN David Atkinson has proved a first-class athlete after qualifying for the Ironman triathalon world championships, in Hawaii, in October.

The Ironman competition, which involves a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and full marathon run of 26.2 miles, must be completed in 17 hours.

David, 37, of Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, has been helped by fellow triathlete, Tracey Williams, manager of Greggs bakery, in South Shields, South Tyneside, which is providing him with a regular supply of stotty sandwiches.

David said: "The competition will be very stiff, with 1,500 athletes there. I raced with the British triathalon squad for five years, focusing on the Ironman series, so I know what to expect.

"I qualified for this event at Lanzarote in May, finishing in ninth position in the 35-39 years group, out of 800 athletes."

With a personal best of nine hours and 40 minutes, David hopes to complete the competition in under ten hours.

Anyone interested in sponsoring him to raise the £4,500 he needs to get to Hawaii, can contact him on (07812) 815234.