A BODYBUILDER who won the Mr England competition at the weekend has now set his sights on becoming Mr Universe.

Phil Carlon, from Grimshaw Street in Golborne, hopes to join past winners such as Arnold Schwarzenneger by winning the title in Southport on October 8.

The 42-year-old, a previous Mr World, won the title of Mr England at a qualifier in Dudley on Sunday.

He said: "You have to have the right attitude. I was determined to win because I knew I was in fantastic condition.

"Now I want to win Mr Universe because it is probably the most prestigious bodybuilding competition.

"If my name was on the list with people like Arnie I'd be made up."

An ex-miner at Golborne Colliery, Mr Carlon manages to fit in training five days a week and sticks to a strict diet while looking after his three daughters, Jasmine, aged 14, Mica aged 10 and eight-year-old Amber, while his partner Jayne is at work as a midwife.

He also has the full backing of sunbed shop Top Tans on Heath Street in Golborne, who have sponsored him since the store opened two-and-a-half years ago.

As well as keeping the father-of-three bronzed and helping to fund his trips to competitions, owner Sheryl Draper will accompany Phil to the final.

The 5ft 9ins muscle-man, who weighs 14 and a half stone, said: "Top Tans are a great help to me and Sheryl is a fantastic girl.

"If I could win this competition I could turn professional."