A TOP bodybuilder has muscled his way into qualifying for a chance to be crowned British champion.

After enduring a 100-day diet of tuna, chicken, potatoes and water, John Hamer lifted the 70 kilos title at the English Federation of Bodybuilders (EFB) North West Championships in Warrington.

And last Sunday's triumph has propelled the 39-year-old into the Overall Great Britain Championships to be staged in October.

John, of Wash Lane, Bury, has a Mr UK and other bodybuilding titles under his belt.

"I started bodybuilding 15 years ago, simply because I was skinny," he said.

He now works out in a home-made gym in a converted garage in Renshaw Drive, Bury, which goes under the TK name. John made all the equipment for the gym and also coaches there.

Looking forward to competing in October, he added: "I'm delighted at qualifying. I won the Mr UK title in 1995 but the Overall GB Championships are the most important to me. It's my World Cup," he said.