PRIZE-winning bodybuilder Debbie Francis is looking for sponsorship to help set her on the road to a national title.

The cost of specialist foods such as protein shakes and flaxseed oil, not to mention tanning products and bikinis, sets the 42-year-old mum back around £2,000 a year.

Now finding it increasingly difficult to fund her sport, she is appealing for businesses to help out with offers of sponsorship, which could include anything from hair removal to tooth-polishing.

Debbie, who works as a funeral director's receptionist, feels wellwishers could improve her chances of getting to the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation's Miss Figure final in October.

"I will soon be in a financial position where I will not even be able to pay a monthly gym membership," she said. "Competing at the shows incurs a lot of little extras.

"This year, figure girls are not allowed to wear thong bikinis. I was going to make do with mine from last year; I now have to buy two new ones."

The special bikinis are likely to cost £200, a sum divorcee Debbie, from The Street, Pebmarsh, would be hard-pressed to find.

"Last year I tried to find a local costume maker who might be able to make some for me, but I had no joy," she added. "Other show needs are things like having body hair waxed, having my teeth polished, my hair coloured, show tanning products and protein supplements."

Debbie, who came third in her group at last year's BNBF finals, is busy putting out feelers in the hope of attracting sponsorship.

A butcher has agreed to charge her a bargain price for the chicken breasts she buys in bulk each month.

She also hopes a Colchester gym will come up trumps with a free year's membership.

"The way I see it," she said, "financially, this might be the last year I will be able to compete, especially if I can't afford a gym membership, I will no longer be able to train."

l If you can help Debbie, mail her at sponsordeb@live.co.uk