On guard! David Varey from Morris Green is a silver and gold medal winning fencer.

The former taxi driver, aged 38, became a full time professional fencing coach this year. He has set up a charity and has lots of plans up his sleeve to get disabled children involved in the sport he loves. HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT?

By teaching around the North-west -- at Mount St Joseph School, Saturday mornings at Bolton Sword Club, at primary schools . . .

I am one of the most prolific coaches in the North-west. My pupils are aged from eight to 58. It is very individual -- good fitness and exercise without the pressure of team sports. It builds confidence and co-ordination. I turned my hobby into my job -- I come to work and I am happy.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO KEEP FIT?

Fencers have to be very fit, but with the teaching, I do not get time to fence enough. But fencing keeps you fit and it is good fun. It seems to be coming back with a vengeance. Within five years, you will see it more regularly on TV.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO FENCING?

By trying different things. When I was about 20, I saw an advert and I thought I would try it. I thought: 'I'm not going to fit in, I'm not from public school and I'm overweight.'

But it was not like I expected and I really enjoyed it. Later, I remember converting a chef's jacket into a fencing jacket. Then I bought the proper kit and I have never looked back.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR COMPETENCE?

I have been called the Beast of Bolton by a Hungarian master . . .

I am extremely competitive and consider myself in the top 30 in England -- and I believe that is out of 75,000 fencers and 500 clubs in the country. As a development coach -- teaching from beginners level -- I do not think I have an equal. I love the sport so much, I want everybody to fence to the best of their ability.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR SHAPE, WEIGHT, FITNESS LEVELS?

I am not happy with my physical condition -- my fitness would hold me back competitively now. When your lungs give out, you give out.

However, my skill and competitiveness have never waned. There are only one or two in Bolton who can beat me -- and I train them. I weigh around 20 stone, but 15 stone is ideal for me. Yet I am still remarkably fast, or so I am told.

ANY INJURIES?

Not from fencing. Fencing is safe. I have never seen a serious injury, just cuts or scratches.

DO YOU FIND IT HARD TO FIND TIME TO FENCE?

That is the problem -- I love the sport, but I am always teaching.

HAVE YOU EVER PRACTISED ANY OTHER SPORTS?

I have done most things. Power-lifting, rugby, squash, scuba diving.

WHICH OTHER SPORT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY?

I am frightened of heights so I am not going to do a parachute jump or abseiling. Even scuba diving, I had to jump in 10 feet of water and I was scared.

DO YOU DRINK OR SMOKE, AND WHAT SORT OF DIET DO YOU HAVE?

I do not drink. I used to drink but gave it up when I was 18 or 19. I do not like the taste of it, or getting drunk. I do not smoke. I once dieted with Diet UK and lost a few stone. I am about to go again. When you are driving a cab, you eat convenience food -- it is a case of snatching what you can, crisps, chocolate, sweets. I love eating.

WHICH SINGLE THING WOULD MOST IMPROVE YOUR ACTIVE LIFESTYLE?

Healthy eating. It is the only way to lose weight. You have to fit your diet into your lifestyle.