THE winner of a free six week course at the Abbey Stadium has completed his challenge and now says he is fitter, stronger and healthier.

Darren Leck, who won a social media competition run by Redditch Council earlier in the year, recently completed a high-intensity workout course, taking part in two sessions a week for six weeks and several paid sessions for three weeks.

He used the training, designed to improve strength and build lean muscle, to help him compete in the Timberhonger 10k challenge, organised by Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club.

Mr Leck ran the Timberhonger challenge earlier this month with a time of 51 minutes and 58 seconds, knocking nearly three minutes off his time from last year and giving him his second fastest time in seven years of competing.

He said: "I really enjoyed the course and definitely felt like I’d done something when I’d finished each session. It was tough but I liked that everyone was encouraged to go at their own pace and that there was a variety of people of all ages and fitness levels."

Mr Leck, who won the competition in April after his name was drawn out of a hat, added: "Whilst physically I don’t think I’ve changed too much (although my wife says otherwise) I noticed an improvement in my running straight away – especially with hill climbs and sprinting.

"I generally feel stronger, fitter and healthier so I’m really pleased with the results."