SPORTY Sue Jones is to pack her sombrero and head to sunny Mexico to put her skills at swimming, running and cycling to the toughest of tests.

The Horwich woman has been picked to represent Britain in the World Triathlon Championships -- despite being new to the gruelling sport.

Sue, a 39-year-old sports science tutor at Bolton Community College, will be competing at the event in Cancun, Mexico, in November.

Meanwhile, she is managing to fit in her demanding two-hours-a-day training sessions with her full-time job at the Manchester Road college.

"I tend to train by myself after work and eat later," she said.

"My goal at the start of the season was to get to these championships and that is what I have trained for."

The triathlon comprises a 1,500-metre swim, a 40-kilometre bike ride and a 10-kilometre run.

"I'm excited, but not nervous yet," she said.

Sue, originally from Cumbria, is a fell runner, but decided to become a triathlete after winning Horwich's annual triathlon event last year. She was runner-up in 1998 and 1999.

She said: "I get very nervous before races. But I'm feeling very motivated for my training.

"It is difficult to fit everything in with my full-time job, but the college has been great in supporting me."

Sue's diet includes a hefty portion of healthy food -- snubbing plates of steak and chips for portions of high fibre foods.

She said: "I tend to eat a healthy balanced diet, but in huge amounts! I really do eat a lot.

"But I need the extra calories."

She says her students see her as a perfect role model as she teaches the science of sport in the classroom -- and then puts it into practice.

Sue is now trying to raise £1,000 to fund the Mexican trip. Anyone who can help Sue raise the money she needs should contact the Marketing Unit at the College on 01204 4533328.