A FITNESS student who recently finished her studies at a North-East college has launched her own business.

Amy Simpson, who lives in Normanby, completed her personal trainer level three training at Middlesbrough College.

The 18-year-old is now using the skills she learned during her course, including how to run a business, to launch Amy Simpson Fitness.

Ms Simpson runs her own health and well-being classes, providing food and fitness plans for people in her local community.

She previously travelled around the region delivering her classes, but has now opened a 2,000 sq ft premises in Normanby High Street so people can visit her.

Amongst Ms Simpson’s clients include some of her former teachers from Nunthorpe Academy, after she attracted their interest when she carried out fitness classes in her old school.

“I can’t believe how much the business has taken off" said Ms Simpson.

"The phone is really busy and people are popping in off the street, which is a great feeling.”

Ms Simpson recently held a launch party for the opening of her new premises, offering interested clients the chance to look around the building and sign up for discounts on classes.

“My tutors – Lyndsey Smith and Rich Bailey – really encouraged me, and it was working with them that gave me the inspiration to go for it.

“I couldn’t have done it all without the experience at Middlesbrough College behind me.

“One of the units in my course was about business, and that gave me the knowledge to take the next steps” she added.

Ms Smith said: “We’re incredibly proud of Amy, and it just goes to show what you can achieve with the right training and the right attitude.

“While Amy was training at the college, she did really well and was nominated to take part in a fitness instructor national competition last year, where she succeeded in gaining fourth place out of the whole country.”

Ms Simpson was also a runner-up in the college’s student of the year competition, and assisted with their Skinny Pigs fitness classes.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive at Middlesbrough College, said: “At the college, we pride ourselves on encouraging a real entrepreneurial spirit in our students and foster close links with local industry and businesses,” she said.

“It’s great that we’ve been able to provide Amy with both the skills and the inspiration to set up a successful business.”