MUSCLE MAN Jason Elhasham has been crowned North West Body Building Champion in Warrington.

The 26-year-old was up against eight others in the intermediate section - with 70 taking part in total - and had to pose in front of nine judges.

"It was nerve racking. I have done competitions before but this was the biggest and winning it is the highlight of my career so far," said Jason, who trains at Muscle Mania in Accrington.

"I had to do plenty of poses and it wasn't necessarily the contestant with the biggest muscles on the day, but the one in the best condition.

"I won a trophy - I am running out of space in my trophy cabinet now!"

Winning that was a high enough accolade for the former Moorhead High School pupil but it also earned him the chance of a magazine shoot.

"I went to Manchester, to the Better Bodies gym, which is one of the most famous in Britain. It is where Ricky Hatton trains and Arnold Schwarzenegger has been there - all the top body builders.

"It was a shoot for 'Body and Fitness' magazine and 'British Body Building' magazine.

"They aren't out yet - they are out monthly - but I am looking forward to seeing them. It should raise my profile."

Jason is now gearing up to the British Body Building Championships in Nottingham in October.

"It is hard building up to a competition," said Jason. "For the five months before, it is a harsh training regime with a strict diet.

"I can only eat eggs, turkey and salmon - it is 5lbs of, say, salmon for five months. I also work out for two hours in the gym five days a week.

"I work full-time at a gas and electric company too so it is hard fitting it all in but winning the North West Championship made it worth it."