BODYBUILDER Shaun McDonald says he couldn't be more proud after wife Donna qualified for Miss Universe Bodybuilding contest.

Donna - who has been bodybuilding for just two years - came fourth in the British bodybuilding Championships on May 31 and second in the West Britain Championships earlier this year.

The lifestyle coach is rapidly catching up on her husband who's currently West Britain bodybuilding champion.

Donna said: "Knowing Shaun was the start really, I have always been interested in keeping fit but bodybuilding is a great way for me to keep in shape."

The couple - from Haydon Wick - are more than just brawn with Donna a regular fitness and health advisor in Swindon primary schools and Shaun a science teacher at Nova Hreod School.

Donna, 39, now has six weeks before she must start training in earnest for the competition which will be held in Southport this October.

"I'm allowed to eat chocolate for once at the moment so I must have looked odd in Tesco the other day when I just chucked sweets, bars of Galaxy and loads of crisps on the conveyer belt.

"I thought I should at least make the most of it for a change, considering all the protein pastes and bland food I normally have to eat."

For Shaun and Donna's children, eight-year-old Jessica, and six-year-old Becky, mum and dad's obsession has become a way of life.

"Meal times aren't very exciting for us" said Donna.

"The children will obviously have a proper meal and I'll either have something like porridge, protein paste or chicken - it's all very boring.

"It makes a nice change to have a big bar of chocolate."

Although Donna is no novice when it comes to competitons, she'll be hitting the gym extra hard to get in shape for Miss Universe.

"I go to the 24 Hour Gym because I can go whenever," she said.

"I get up really early to do about an hour on the static cycle in our lounge too - there's no rest for the wicked!"

Donna will have to perfect her poses for Miss Universe if she is to get to the final.

"You have to show the judges the best of your body so you have to be quite confident," she said.

"They have to get a good look at you, which can feel a bit strange but it's all good fun."