SOUTHAMPTON curry magnate Kuti Miah was swept off his feet by top female bodybuilder Marina Cornwall.

He was so impressed with the three times British champion and world champion he sponsored her trip to the United International Natural Body Building Championship in Barcelona.

Marina, 52, a personal trainer from Chandler's Ford, said: "It is very difficult funding yourself. It's expensive to compete and no one wants to sponsor a female athlete so I'm really appreciative of what he's done for me.

"He even cooks me healthy beans and salmon in the restaurant so I can stay on my special diet when I go there."

Mr Miah, who jointly owns Kuti's Brasserie in Oxford Street and two other restaurants, said: "I thought she's a local lady who needed help. I am a Southampton person and I always say this is the best city in the world and I like to support anything local.

"She is a very strong lady and she picked me up with no problem whatsoever."