A former Nelson Thomlinson pupil says she "loved every second" of a gruelling triathlon in the Dubai desert heat - and hopes to compete in similar events when she returns to Cumbria.

Laura Hickford, from Red Dial, relocated to Dubai with her husband five years ago - a move that sparked her interested in the triathlon.

"We wanted to find an energetic way to spend more time outside, not just at the beach," she told The Cumberland News.

"We discovered that Dubai has cycle tracks which take you out into the desert travelling over 100km - the perfect way to get away from the busy city.

"Soon, after a few weeks cycling, I would notice triathletes cycling then running up the track.

"It looked pretty hardcore in the 40C heat and right then I knew that's what I wanted to do."

Laura, who is a personal trainer, said she immediately signed up for the Dubai IronMan event, consisting of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and a 20.1km run.

She drew up a training plan for six days a week and also took part in two smaller triathlons for practice.

"Having not been a swimmer or much of a cyclist I attended Masters Dubai swim club once a week and practiced open water swimming in the clear sea of Jumeirah Kite beach, among the fish and jellyfish," Laura said.

"At the beginning of my training in August I had a holiday booked to visit family in Cumbria, which was perfect timing for me to attend the one-mile Epic Lakes Swim in Derwentwater in Keswick.

"It was my first swim race and a fantastic experience, really well organised by Epic Events.

"I was surprised to see so many attending and all different levels of swimmers."

During the Dubai event, Laura took part in the swim before climbing onto her bike, where she cycled into a head wind for the first 45km - but was able to enjoy a tail wind for the remaining half of the ride.

"The half marathon became difficult with the increasing heat, however the volunteers were there at the aid stations with iced water and sponges which were a huge help," Laura said.

""The run is completed by running down a long red carpet to the finish line, crowds of spectators cheering the commentator shouting 'Laura you are an Ironman', it really is an incredible feeling.

"All the six months of training and sacrifices are paid off in that one moment."

Laura is hoping to compete in the Bolton IronMan event later this year but also has her sights set on future events in Cumbria.

She said: "My husband and I plan to move back to Cumbria in two years where we will certainly be getting involved in all of the Lakes events and hopefully help promote the community of triathlon within such a beautiful landscape.

"Cumbria has so much to offer in the way of activities.

"I feel very grateful to have been brought up there and look forward to coming back to my roots."