A FORMER Army fitness coach has launched his own business to get people across the region into shape.

James McCallum, of Farringdon, Sunderland, was a physical training instructor in the Army for 12 years before setting up Mac 1 Fitness.

After seeking advice from enterprise agency Social Enterprise Sunderland, the 35-year-old set up his personal training business aimed at people who want to get into shape but hate going to the gym.

He visits clients at home for an initial assessment and then develops a programme that fits into their daily routine.

Mr McCallum said: "A lot of people dislike gyms and don't have the motivation to exercise on their own.

"My plan assesses the individual, then I develop a tailor-made programme.

"I want people to know you don't have to pay large gym fees or buy expensive equipment to become fit and healthy."

He said: "In five years, I would like to be co-ordinating a group of fitness instructors throughout the North-East and possibly further a field."

The father-of-two received funding to help him start the business from Backup North and Project North-East.