MOTIVATING hundreds of people to achieve a happier, healthier lifestyle and 'making a difference in the community' is at the core of Hannah Bryant's work. The competitive natural figure athlete, model, personal trainer and site manager of Winners 2000 gym in Torquay found time to meet NAOMI TOLLEY for a light lunch.

FIRST impressions speak volumes.

And with Hannah Bryant that message was loud and clear: calm, collected, feminine, physically fit and glowing with a health and confidence that would get any woman wanting 'some of what's she's having'?

I found Hannah basking in the sun outside Angels tea rooms on Babbacombe Downs.

The Torquay-born 38-year-old went to school just down the road — at St Margaret's Primary School and Westlands. After attending Exeter College Hannah started her career in dance, gaining a degree in Dance Theatre, in 1994, from the Laban Centre, London.

But a change in circumstances 10 years ago saw Hannah quit her dance career and head back to her hometown, launching a career in fitness.

This would see Hannah playing a pivotal role at the community gym, Winners 2000.

"I was lucky enough to come and work with Simon Jeffery, the owner, who has been a great role-model, mentor and above all friend."

She started at the gym as a fitness instructor and classes co-ordinator but had her sights set higher.

"I went to New York on a work trip to train with world champion powerlifter and bodybuilder Bev Francis, an icon in bodybuilding. It was an honour in the bodybuilding world to have some personal training with a figure pro," said Hannah.

She went back to visit Bev the following year with a view to start competing and again in November that year to compete in the NPC Eastern USA Qualifier Figure 2007 — gaining second place — a show Hannah feels she could have won had she been an American citizen.

Hannah has since completed a diploma in Advanced Nutrition for Optimum Health through GB Fitness in 2008; gained third place BNBF Figure Nationals in October 2009 and more recently went to Canada in October 2010, competing as a UK citizen in the Open and Over 35s Figure, coming third in both.

These accolades roll off Hannah's tongue as easily as her ordering the chicken salad which sat perfectly presented on the table in front of her. I'd opted for a feta salad with roasted vegetables. I know, probably not as healthy an option but still — I'm not in my 'pre-season' mode.

Hannah, who weighs a slight 9 stone 12 lbs at a height of almost 5ft 7ins will start 'dieting' in August to reach her contest weight of 8 stone 5lbs. She is preparing to compete in the UFE Elite division championships.

Hannah has an unquenchable thirst to achieve all she sets her sights on. That includes helping her 150 clients achieve their health and fitness goals; and also working as a site manager at Winners 2000, Torquay. The 1,000-member gym has a Lion's Club for seven to 14-year-olds through to their oldest members, a couple aged 80 and 87.

The gym are also looking to set up a charity to ensure a legacy is in place to make a long-term difference to the health and lives of the community it serves.

"It's the best gym in the world," said Hannah. "I wouldn't want to work anywhere else."