A FORMER commando and army personal trainer who set up a successful Leigh business teaching children military-style fitness has been shortlisted in the North West Director of the Year awards.

Mike Hamilton from Commando Joe, based in Meadow Croft Way, is a former bomb disposal expert who served in Iraq and Afghanistan where he gained experience leading teams on the front-line.

After leaving the army, he trained as a lecturer and used his experiences to create a business that combined military fitness and education. Commando Joe started life in 2009 to raise attainment, discipline and attendance levels in schools via military-based skills..

He originally pitched the idea to the "dragons" on TV programme "Dragon's Den" but failed to secure a cash injection. Undaunted, he built up the business himself across the North-west and the Midlands and secured Government funding including recently receiving £1 million from the Department of Education.

Today, Command Joe's confidence-boosting activities are used in more than 100 schools around the region. Mr Hamilton now manages more than 50 staff across the country, delivering sessions nationally in more than 237 schools with his organisation acknowledged as one of the country's most successful military fitness providers.

Mr Hamilton has bee shortlisted as one of three finalists in the Public Sector/Third Sector Director of the Year category in the Institute of Directors' annual awards alongside Rob Johnston of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Yvonne Harrison from Greatersport.

The prestigious awards honour the work of individuals across the region and cover diverse industrial fields. Commented Rachel Smith, regional director of the IoD:" Our shortlist represents some of the most innovative and inspiring leaders the region has to offer." Winners will be revealed on February 25 at a glittering event at Manchester's Midland Hotel.