A BOLTON body builder has scooped third place in a national contest after showing off his muscle-clad physique.

Alvin Isherwood, of Fernside, Little Lever, is over the moon after coming third in the prestigious competition organised by the English Federation of Body Builders.

The 27-year-old was accompanied by a posse of his family and friends who travelled to Nottingham for the competition at the Royal Concert Hall.

The former Little Lever High School pupil never dreamt he would make it through to the final six.

He said: "It was a long day, but I really enjoyed it. I was pretty chuffed to come third because the competition was very tough.

"I'm going to have a bit of time off from my training now, but will hopefully enter next year's competition if my girlfriend lets me!"

Alvin, who has his own business installing industrial rollershutters, usually works out at least one hour daily, alternating between Body Works gym in Radcliffe and Tim's Gym in Bolton.

He has been body building for more than three years and follows an exhausting regime and diet.