Last updated 20:24, Thursday, 17 July 2008

AN ASPATRIA bodybuilder has been named European champion for the over-50s.

POWER TO THEIR ELBOW: Bodybuilders Martin Yates Brown, left, and Shaun Watson

Martin Yates Brown, 61, of the town’s Brownz Total Fitness, won the title in Italy last weekend and will now compete in the world event.

He said: “I am still on cloud nine. It has only taken me 45 years to win the Europeans but I have done it.”

He also came close to winning the title of Master Universe but just missed out and came second.

Mr Brown added: “When I lost, I felt very low and I thought I was always going to come second. However, the next day I won the European crown.

“The morning of the Europeans I was very focused, got up and trained, then went for a march to burn off some excess water.

“This must have helped me because I won that day.”

His win means Mr Brown has qualified for the world contest, to be held in Slovenia on November 15.

Bodybuilder Shaun Watson, 39, of Mountain View, Harrington, who was with Mr Brown at the competition, also qualified for the world event with his placing in the European and Universe competitions.

Mr Watson came fourth in Mr Universe and second in Mr Europe.

He trains at Ted’s Gym, John Street, Workington, and is sponsored by Mr Brown.

Mr Brown said: “Shaun has done fantastically well to finish where he has.

“He is in the hardest class and although he is a little disappointed not to win one, he can be proud of what he has done.

“I thought he was unlucky not to win the Europeans because he is in fantastic shape.”

Mr Brown said his wife Margaret was his “rock”, who put up with his training and competing.

He said: “I am 61 now and she is still asking me when my next competition is and not when is my last one.

“She has to put up with me because I can be a pain at times.”