A WOMAN followed in the footsteps of Charlotte Church when she was named rear of the year in a regional competition.

Elaine Simkin, aged 53, of Fenwick Close, Daisy Hill, picked up the top award in the Weight Watcher competition after losing three stones.

And she intends to keep her rear looking at its best by doing plenty of exercise in preparation for walking the Great Wall of China this month for Christie's Cancer Appeal.

Charlotte Church was last week named national winner of the Slendertone Flex Rear of the Year award along with male counterpart Scott Wright -- Coronation Street's Sam Kingston.

Mrs Simkin, who is now a Weight Watchers leader, said: "I am absolutely delighted with winning the title. It's a great achievement, especially at my age.

"I can't wait to do my walk. I won't be walking the entire wall, but I will be walking between 15 and 20 miles a day, for 10 days."

Elaine is also keeping trim by following the Weight Watcher's programme and doing plenty of walking in the area in preparation for her adventure in China.

Weight Watchers area manager Joy Preston said: "Anyone who has ever battled with their weight will be only too familiar with the question "does my bum look big in this?"

"It's a big step for anyone used to hiding away in long cardigans and baggy T-shirts, to showing off a slim new rear. We all agree Elaine looks fabulous and we wish her well on her walk."