NEWBRIDGE bodybuilder Rhiannon Pontin is celebrating after winning the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation’s Welsh qualifier in the figure class – an event she came third in last year.

The event was held at the Dolman Theatre in Newport and Rhiannon’s success follows up her triumph in the National Amateur Bodybuilders’ Association’s Miss Wales Toned Figure.

Rhiannon, 39, a child care support worker, said: “This is a natural show and all finalists are drug tested.

“I had competed last year and was placed third, so I was keen to compete again and hopefully place higher.

“I was apprehensive the day of the show, but I felt physically more prepared.

“My diet was much more precise and my training more planned and specific.

“With the help of my partner, who has been a gem supporting me with my preparations, I felt I could give the day my all.

“I was totally not expecting the result. When they called third and second and then my name in first place I was over the moon.

“I have the Britain finals to prepare for now on Sept-ember 15 in Manchester, so its full steam ahead, as well as a nice new bikini.”