ACTION man Mark Dane is getting ready for battle in his bid to be crowned Britain's Fittest Man.

The 31-year-old fitness instructor has taken up the 'X-Zone Challenge' to raise money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. The endurance event takes place at Birmingham's NEC Arena on March 20 and 21.

Mark, a former army physical training instructor, was nominated by colleagues at the Fordton Leisure Centre.

Mark will be expected to complete a series of trials including cycling, push-ups, running, balancing on a beam, rowing and scaling an 18 ft net - and that's just in the first round.

"I keep myself fit anyway but I've had a special 12-week programme for this event. I think the worst part will be coming off the running machine and trying to walk along a balance beam. My legs are going to feel like jelly."

Mark will be taking part in the charity challenge with 1,000 men and women from gyms across the country.

Mark is looking for donations towards the £2,000 he needs to raise for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. If you can help, contact the leisure centre on 572504.

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