SISTERS Christine and Dot Lewis (pictured) each raised a glass of fruit juice to toast their firm's success.

Just like the clients they cater for, their business has never looked healthier.

Goodbody's topped the Coalfield Challenge sponsored Best New Firm in the Coalfield Challenge area at Wigan and Leigh Business Awards' night.

Emporium partner Christine told The Journal how she packed-in smoking and set about creating a healthy lifestyle.

"I was a 40 a day smoker - we were real couch potatoes," said Christine.

But they rolled off the couch, packed in the fags and went back to college.

Their mobile aerobics and dieting operation blossomed.

Then the Lewises settled in King Street, gathering a cluster of health and fitness related experts around them to set-up Goodbody's.

Down-to-earth Christine explained the aims of her seven days a week operation:"It is the ordinary person we are trying to encourage to enjoy a more healthy lifestyle. A lot of people don't want to fork out £200 a year membership to join a club.

"Our operation is open to anyone, no membership necessary. Just pay when you want to use the facilities."

Goodbody's facilities include sun beds, aerobics, dance, step, gymnasium, hair salon, karate, dance, sports therapy, and fitness wear shop.

Peter Miles Engineering Ltd scooped a £1,000 prize in the PPG Industries (UK) Ltd backed training and development award. Leighton Packaging from Hindley scooped £1,000 and top prize in the Wigan Borough Partnership backed competition to find the Best Firm with 1-15 employees.

And Atherton Windows came runner-up Best Firm with-25 employees section and receive £500.

Former soccer star Emlyn Hughes hosted the awards' nighty for 250 of the area's top business people which this year attracted a record number of entries.

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