SUPER-FIT Andrea Windras has travelled all over the country to battle against dragons.

And now, as the new manager of Total Fitness in Whitefield, she aims to breathe some fire into the gym business.

For Andrea, who was a member of the dragon boat team Amethyst — named after a local chippie in her native city of Liverpool — the appointment fulfils an ambition that started with a hobby.

“I worked in insurance as a medical underwriter for 13 years, but I was always mad about keeping fit.

“Then, in 2000, I became an instructor in various classes, such as body combat, body balance, step and toning. But I was doing that at night and at weekends after doing the day job. It was a busy time.

“Then I made the leap full-time into the fitness industry and I’ve worked at various clubs, including being a studio co-ordinator, a general manager in Runcorn and running a ladies-only club, before coming to Whitefield.”

One of the first tasks facing Andrea (35) is to oversee the Bury New Road gym’s new youth and kids zone, which caters for under-16s.

It is set to open to the public on Sunday with a free family fun day, featuring a bouncy castle, face painting, gladiators, swimming, kids classes and beat the goalie.

Andrea is currently negotiating with Bury FC to use the centre while members of the rugby team Salford City Reds already use the facilities.

She has also struck a deal with actress Jacqueline Chadwick, who played Linda Baldwin in Coronation Street and Tina Dingle in Emmerdale, to use the gym for private acting and singing lessons every Saturday.