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Bikini fitness competitor Lois Moremon has spent thousands of pounds in order to compete at the highest level, as she eyes up the British title later this year.

Moremon, from Trethomas, began her training four years ago when she joined the Area 51 Strongman Gym, home of Caerphilly weightlifter Gavin Bilton.

After quickly realising female bodybuilding wasn’t for her, Moremon said she woke up one day and wanted to change the way she looked.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer she said: “It took me two years to drop the weight and get on stage for the first time. I wasn’t ready then but it was a great experience and I was given a lot of advice and encouragement.

“Since then it has been a truly awakening process. I’ve lost nearly 30kg and finished third in the Welsh Fitness Expo and recently second at the IBFA Welsh Championships.

“There were a lot of people who doubted me and my commitment so to be at this point after a relatively short period of time is a very surreal feeling.”

Moremon, who works behind the bar at Machen Legion, described the complete dedication needed both physically and mentally to get to this level: “I don’t think people realise how much goes into this sport.

“Before each tournament I spend seven months going to the gym most days, as well as getting 12,000 steps in on a strict diet.

“It’s also a huge mental commitment. All of my friends want to go out drinking or for brunch and I have to say no. Even going to the cinema for a couple of hours is difficult. Preparation is always on my mind.”

As well as putting her body through its paces, there is also a huge financial investment Moremon has to consider. Since she began competing, the 29-year-old has spent more than £2,000 on getting ready for events, including £450 on a custom-made bikini.

“I’ll probably spend another thousand pound by the end of the year if I commit to the British Final on October 22”, Moremon said. “I never thought I’d be here but I’m just riding the wave at the moment”, she added.