The winners of the south qualifiers, with Charlie, second from left.
BODYBUILDINGIN his first ever competition, Charlie Bell has made it through to the British finals of bodybuilding.
The 31-year-old father of two scooped second place in the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation south qualifiers in Bognor Regis.
He is now through to the finals, which take place in Glasgow in October.
Bodybuilding started out as a hobby for the former beach lifeguard and now student nurse.
Charlie, of Caesars Road, Newport, has been bodybuilding for six years and trains three times a week. He works hard to stay in shape, promoting drug-free training.
He said: "It started out as a hobby but it is now more of a lifestyle. I would say it is more like natural body sculpting and the key is hard work, dedication, motivation and a good diet. I haven’t drunk alcohol in nine years."
Though competing never occurred to Charlie at first, he is now aiming for the top.
He said: "I will focus on my weaknesses and try to bring everything up to where it needs to be."