CALLING all bodybuilders...it’s time to tone up and preen yourselves for the first-ever Mr Cumbria show.

The event, organised by Martyn Yates Brown, will be held in May at a hotel near Wigton.

Mr Yates Brown, who is president of the International Body Building & Fitness Association, said: “It is an unusual event but it’s a lot more popular than people think. It’s grassroots body building and the positive side of it is that it gets people to the gym and gets them fit and healthy.

“For many it will be the first time on stage and it’s a stepping stone to becoming a professional body builder.

“It builds confidence. There is no hiding place on stage and there is no room for body fat.

“The shows are a motivator for some people. It has always been a bit misguided but it has a big following.”

The winners will qualify for Mr Northern Counties on May 28 and have a chance to head to the world finals in Rome in October.

Mr Yates Brown, 68, said: “There are no money prizes and it is a not-for-profit competition.

“The body builders get their expenses if they are heading off to competitions.”

Mr Yates Brown, who runs Yates Evolution 2 Gym in Aspatria, is expecting about 50 competitors to enter Mr Cumbria and a crowd of about 300 to 400 people.

Mr Yates Brown described the show as “an old school body building show”.

“It is in memory of the late great legend Bill Hemsworth from Barrow,” he added.

Mr Hemsworth, a former Mr Universe, was a body building expert who famously shared the stage with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno – of Incredible Hulk fame – and other musclebound stars including Eduardo Kawack, Bertil Fox and Frank Zane.

The Mr Cumbria event will be held on Sunday, May 22 at the Greenhill Hotel at Wigton.

For more information contact 016973 22478 or www.ibfa-gb.co.uk

Athletes can register from midday and the show starts at 1.30pm.

Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door.