She is the woman who has helped create one of the most talked-about physiques in Britain.

Yoga teacher Katy Appleton is credited as the person who put the spice back into pop star Geri Halliwell's physical and spiritual health.

But Katy's fame as a yoga guru is a far cry from her days as a young ballerina when she was known as the Prodigy from Peacehaven.

The 29-year-old, whose parents own Halcombe Farm in Valley Road, took up ballet at the age of five when she attended the Harlequin Studios in Peacehaven.

At the age of 11 she left St Mary's Hall School in Brighton to train with the Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet Schools, which led to her becoming a professional ballerina.

She took up yoga to learn meditation and breathing techniques to calm down before performances.

Four years ago she opted for a career change, went on a teaching course in Spain and became a full-time yoga teacher.

She now takes group classes in London, as well as teaching individuals, including Geri, on a one-to-one basis.

Katy said: "I was recommended to Geri by a friend of hers who was already going to my class and I have been teaching her for about a year now. Sometimes I see her every day for a week. Then sometimes I might not see her for two or three weeks when she is away."

Katy said: "Geri treats yoga like a toolbox. For example, she likes to do a headstand to liven her up before an interview.

"She also loves to have a class when she has just stepped off a plane.

"Yoga definitely helps with her eating problems. She's much happier because of how she feels inside. Geri loves yoga, because as she says, it's not just about getting the perfect body."

The former Spice Girl has regularly spoken of how Katy has helped transform her well-being.

In a recent interview she said: "I discovered yoga through someone I met at Elton John's party. Regardless of the shape or size I was at the time, I felt physically ill. I was 26 going on 80 from the amount of travelling I'd done.

"With my addictive personality, I binged out on it. I was doing it seven days a week, which was a bit excessive. I went through a few teachers and then found Katy."

Katy herself is modest when asked about being partly responsible for Geri's new-found fitness and assurance.

She said: "I don't really think about it. I see a very different side to what the public see."

Katy has helped Geri make a yoga video which shows some of the techniques she has taught.