Timmy and Lynda Mallett take on 10:10 challenge

TV celebrity Timmy Mallett went head-to-head with his wife Lynda in the Magnet 10:10 challenge on Friday.

Participants in the 10:10 pay an entry fee and then try to cover as much distance as possible in 10 minutes on a cross trainer and 10 minutes on an exercise bike.

The leisure centre in Holmanleaze hosts the challenge every year to raise money for the Advertiser Cracker Appeal.

The cracker appeal raises money to fund Christmas parties and day trips for worthy organisations.

Timmy and Lynda had recently completed a coast-to-coast bike ride from Barnstaple to Plymouth in Devon. Timmy has also ridden across England, from the Cumbrian coast to Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear.

Fitness fanatic Timmy was feeling confident ahead of the challenge.

He said: "The cycling is a big thing for me and I swim every day for an hour in the morning.

"I'm up before the larks every day!"

The 10:10 provided a perfect platform for some husband-and-wife competition. After Lynda shaded the cross trainer section, Timmy felt he could make up time on two wheels and promptly increased his bike to a higher setting.

"Exercise makes you feel great, especially when you are competing with each other, said the former Wacaday host.

To his wife, he added: "I'm going to beat you!"

After 20 minutes sweating it out there was a tense wait to find out which of the couple had travelled the furthest.

Lynda's early progress on the cross trainer paid off, and she took the Mallett title, clocking 3.49 miles compared to Timmy's 3.39.

The 10:10 challenge is open to anybody. To enter, contact the Magnet Leisure Centre.