Stephen’s building up to national success

The 41-year-old is in training for the national challenge later this month, aiming to keep the title he won last year.

And if he gets through, he is in line for the Mr Universe contest two weeks later.

Jeannie Ellam, owner of the Fitness Connection gym in Ravensthorpe where he trains, said: “We will be backing Stephen all the way.”

Other gym members have just chalked up success at the North East championships in Leeds, qualifiers for the British championships.

Sam Cullingworth, 41, from Mirfield qualified for the finals in the masters section; Carl Sutcliffe, 42, from Dewsbury came fourth in the under 70kg class; Danny Harrison won his under 90kg intermediate class; Rob Senior also did well and 46-year-old Kev Taylor from Huddersfield was guest star. More than 80 supporters urged them on.

Stephen Flynn said: “I am confident. I won last year so hopefully it will happen again.”