Mr Pennine bodybuilding show back after 25 years

Competitors Steve Culshaw, Peter Hoy and Mark Waite at the Mr Pennine bodybuliding competition at Pendle Hippodrome.

Michael Coupe, owner of the Burnley-based Fitness Factory, hailed the return of the classic East Lancashire bodybuilding show which was revived after 25 years away.

Hundreds of fans packed out the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre to see some of the finest physiques from across the North-West.

Almost 50 top-toned women and muscular men tanned up and took to the stage to battle it out for the Mr Pennine bodybuilding crown.

Mr Coupe, who teamed up with Margaret Duckworth from Colne’s Intershape Gym to reignite the traditional show, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. We were aiming for 25 to 30 competitors entering – but we had nearly 50.

“The competitors showed a lot of dedication and discipline to do it.

“The judges said the standard of the ladies’ classes was so good that every one of them could have competed in last year’s British final, which is amazing for a local show.

“The standard of the men and the condition they were in was outstanding too.

“There were more than 400 people in the crowd and they really enjoyed it. It took it back to the heyday of the competition.”

Competitors aged from 16 to 63 came from Pendle, Burnley and other parts of East Lancashire as well as others from across the country, including Nottingham, Bradford, Liverpool and Cardiff, to take part in the contest.

Athletes battled it out in 11 different categories, including junior, novice, over 40s and over 50s men and toned figure, trained physique and bikini class for the women.

Neil Ashley was crowned Mr Pennine 2014 and Elsa Roanne clinched the Miss Pennine title.

Mr Coupe believes the revival of the Mr Pennine show could spark a revival in the sport across East Lancashire.

He said: “The area has a long history of bodybuilding and has boasted national and international standard bodybuilders.

“But it is still a hotbed of talent and now there are more and more people getting interested in training and wanting to go further in the sport.

“We cannot wait until the Mr Pennine show returns next year.”