TEACHER Eileen Pace has won an Everyday Sport award for turning her life around.

Ms Pace, 34, a teacher at St Teresa's primary school in Darlington has been presented with £150 of vouchers for her efforts.

In the past year, she has gone from doing no exercise to attending the gym three times a week and eating healthily.

She recently completed the 5km Cancer Research Race for Life and has shed three stones in weight.

"You could say I am half the lady I used to be," she joked.

She was presented with the sports vouchers having become one of six North-East men and women to win the title of Everyday Sport Champion.

All of the winners were nominated by partners or friends as part of a drive to increase activity rates around the North-East, organised by Sport England.

Ms Pace paid tribute to staff at the First Step To Fitness centre, in Victoria Road, Darlington. "Without their guidance and encouragement, I couldn't have done it," she said.