AA patrol men are known for being knights in shining armour but this one could give Superman a run for his money with his super hero physique.

For when he's not in work, Neil Ashley, from Appleton, is a part time body builder and this weekend he is set to take part in the Natural Physique Association's European Championships.

The 32-year-old qualified for the event after finishing first in the middleweight class at a regional final held in Yorkshire last week.

He took up the sport six years ago after fellow gym-goers recommended it.

In the 16 weeks leading up to the competition, he has gone from 13st 11lb to 11st 12lb and has a body fat ratio of just five per cent (the average is somewhere between 15 and 17).

His eating habits consist of six small meals a day with oats for breakfast and meat consisting of chicken, turkey and cod and plenty of salads for the rest of the day.

One thing he isn't allowed though is a plate of chips, which is one of the hardest things for him to do in the run up to the competition.

He said: "The longer it goes the worse it gets but afterwards you have one and wonder what all the fuss was about.

"My job actually does help. Because I am on the road all the time I can prepare my food properly and just eat it out of a lunch box."

To find out how he gets on read next week's Guardian