Our Teesside chief reporter, Graeme Hetherington, is a chunky lad, though few would describe him as the body beautiful.

The Northern Echo:

 

 

Imagine my surprise, therefore, to see that the man who's done so much to beef up our Teesside coverage had whipped off his shirt and entered a "Best Body Competition" being promoted in Darlington.

The Northern Echo:

His picture appears on a large advertising hoarding on the Marks and Spencer roundabout in the town centre and I have to admit that he's looking in fine form.

Up until now, colleagues had only seen his six-pack when he passed an off-licence on the way home and John Smith's was on special offer. Now we know the truth about what's under that un-ironed shirt.

For some reason, he's using the alias, Don Learoyd. I can only assume it's because he's shy.

There's no need. On behalf of everyone on the staff here at The Northern Echo, good luck in the contest Graeme. Have a John Smith's on me.