SUMMER is here and we all want to shed a few pounds for the beach.

But what do you do? Got to the gym? Go for a run? Take up line dancing?

The options are endless. But I’ve stumbled on an idea that looks like being a winner.

I’ve been put in touch with a personal trainer. Not an ordinary personal trainer in a gym - this guy comes to your home or even your place of work to put you through your paces.

Ben Skinner, from At Home Fitness, has taken me on as his special project. Twice a week for six weeks he’ll be at The Bolton News offices putting me through his special hour-long training routine.

And with Ben's help I'm hoping to shift a stone. Not only does he put you through the exercises he also helps with advice about eating and general health. You are sent a fitness report and healthy eating plan.

We have just completed our second session and it was tough but, I’ve got to say, enjoyable as well. And the results are starting to show - I already feel more energised, slightly less bulky and a lot more confident.

Ben’s workouts are all new to me but seem to have an instant effect. He got me holding out kettle bells, jumping on and off steps, doing press ups and push ups. We even got the boxing gloves out for a session.

All this was going on in the office boardroom during my lunch hour - great for me as I don’t have to travel to the gym.

The exercises are all designed to be done at home or in the workplace so there are no huge machines to worry about. Ben targets all areas of your body so you get an all-over workout.

We’ve started well and I’m hoping to keep it going. I might event think twice about my kebab on Saturday night - or maybe not.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress and, fingers crossed, I might soon be a leaner, fitter, version of myself.

Ben covers Bury, plus the surrounding areas of Heywood, Rochdale, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich.

He also covers the east side of Bolton, including Little Lever and Farnworth.

If you are interested in contacting Ben for a fitness session, you can reach him at athomefitness.co.uk/personal-trainers/personal-trainer-bury/ or his Facebook page www.facebook.com/personaltrainerbury/.

Just off for pie and mash now (only joking, Ben!)