A BUSHEY resident who broke her back when she was a child has qualified as a Pilates instructor and is setting up local workshops.

Trudi Barnett, 30, of Falconer Road, damaged two vertebrae when she was six and suffered pains throughout her adult life, until she discovered Pilates.

She said: "The hospital wouldn't do anything at the time because I was tall and they thought my spine would just grow and straighten. I was quite sporty, but had to give it up when I was 14 because of the pain.

"I tried physio and everything, which was great for short-term relief, but nothing worked long-term until Pilates. People joke that it's my religion and I'm trying to spread it, but I think it's important to let people know how beneficial it is."

After training in London Ms Barnett was accredited by the Body Control Pilates Association, and plans to have classes up and running in St Peter's Church hall in High Road by April.

She said: "Pilates is a safe and effective form of body conditioning and is ideal for the prevention and treatment of a range of problems. It results in a longer, leaner body and is a great way to relieve unwanted tension."

Introductory workshops will be held at the hall on Tuesday, March 8 and Saturday, April 2, with weekly sessions kicking-off every Tuesday starting on Tuesday, April 12.

Class numbers are limited to eight people and all clients will be individually assessed and provided with personal tuition.

The sessions will run for two hours and cost £15 including refreshments. Some discounts are available.

For more information, or to register for one of the workshops, telephone Ms Barnett on 0777 3355 628.