WHEN the going gets tough . . . Stroud’s very own team of Ninja Warriors get going!

Personal trainer Dion Trigg, 36, moved to the area in 2010 and set up his own gym True Function in Chalford in December 2013, based on the obstacles from the world’s toughest obstacle course, immortalised in the tv show Ninja Warrior.

Now Dion and four Ninja Warriors are living the dream, competing in the show as it makes its UK debut.

The British version of the show – it’s been a smash hit in the USA, Japan and Sweden – will air on ITV on Saturday (April 11) at 7pm. Hosted by Good Morning Britain presenter Ben Shephard, football pundit Chris Kamara and The Saturdays star Rochelle Humes, the show sees 250 competitors taking part in five heats and tackling six jaw-dropping obstacles, including the Warped Wall, Log Grip, Curtain Slider and Quintuple Steps.

Dion, accompanied by his father Geoff, 61, plus fellow gym members Jackie Grier from Stonehouse, Jo Tindley from Stroud, and Angela Rodway, made it through 6,000 applicants to reach the televised shows.

The action starts on Saturday when the first of five heats will be shown, with participants competing for 40 semi-final places. Anyone who completes the course will qualify for the semis, and remaining places will go to the fastest from the heats.

Dion has been sworn to secrecy about Saturday’s result but he says: “Dreams do come true! This has been my dream for the past 15 years, and I was greatly honoured to be selected for Ninja Warrior UK. It was even more special as my father ran the course with me.”