A former pub landlord has won through to the British bodybuilding championships just a year after taking up the sport.

Nick Hindle secured his place in the prestigious finals after clinching a runner-up spot in his first ever contest.

He was up against eight others in his category at the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) UK 2013, held in Batley.

“There were about 80 competitors in total from across the country taking part in different classes,” said Mr Hindle, co-owner – with Rousel Chowdhury – of NRGym, in Worth Way, Keighley.

“About 100 members from the gym came along to give me support, which was great.

“With it being my first show, I wasn’t really expecting to do too much, so to get through to the British finals was just fantastic.

“It’s such a prestigious thing.”

Mr Hindle, 42, ex-licensee at the Fleece in Haworth, said he had a long-held interest in fitness, but was only a relatively recent convert to bodybuilding.

“I used to be in the army physical training corps, so I’ve always been keen on keeping fit,” said Mr Hindle, who set-up NRGym with his colleague in July last year.

“I do a lot of personal training and started talking about bodybuilding, which I’d always wanted to have a go at but not had the bottle to do it!

“I began working on more weight training and examining in greater depth my diet, and there’s been a real transformation.

“I’m hoping other people may be inspired to have a go. I’m just a normal 42-year-old guy who’s got himself into the best possible shape – if I can do it, anyone can.”

His sights are now on the British finals, taking place at Southport in May next year. “It’s a great privilege to be taking part,” he said. I’ve worked hard to get here. I’ll go there and see how I get on.”