A DYNAMIC Dudley councillor is packing a punch and putting her money where her mouth is by training for a black belt in Thai boxing - having been appointed as the borough's shadow spokesman for health and fitness.

Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councillor Natalie Neale has taken over from veteran councillor Peter Miller to become opposition group spokesman for health and wellbeing - and she also sits on the Dudley health and wellbeing board.

As a result of her new appointment, the 43-year-old fitness fanatic wants to make sure she practices what she's preaching and has decided to push herself to gain her black belt.

Having undertaken martial arts training with expert Rob Lock for many years, she is now having one to one sessions at Stourbridge's Fury Fight School where the school's founder and head coach, accomplished cage fighter Ryan Norwood, has been putting her through her paces.

Ryan, who has been training since his teenage years and coached celebrities including Alex Reid, said: "Natalie is already at a very good level and we are excited to be working together on her journey towards black belt."

Mum-of-three Natalie, whose children Lizzy, aged eight, and Antony, aged 14, take Thai boxing classes, said: "I've been doing martial arts for about 15 years. I just wanted to finish off my black belt with Ryan who is absolutely fantastic. I've wanted to get there for so long.

"Mixed martial arts gives you so much confidence - and I thought if the general public saw a spokesperson from the council who actually does train it may help to promote the message of a 'healthy Dudley'. "We're trying to encourage sports for everyone for their own well-being, body and mind."

Natalie, who used to play rugby for DK ladies' team, is also set on having a bash at cage fighting.

She said: "It's on my bucket list. When Ryan says I'm ready I'll go in the cage. I''m also looking to go to Thailand to train as well."

To find out about health and fitness activities taking place across the borough visit www.lets-get.com