THE next Mr Darlington will have to wrest the title from its current holder – the town’s mayor, Councillor Gerald Lee.

The coveted title will be up for grabs in May at a bodybuilding competition at the town's Dolphin Centre.

While Cllr Lee undoubtedly performs well in the official role, the new Mr Darlington will have to prioritise personal fitness over politics and be more comfortable in the gym than in mayoral chains.

The competition will be held as part of the IBFA Mr and Miss County Durham open bodybuilding event.

The Mr Darlington part of the competition has been masterminded by bodybuilding enthusiast Grant Brown, from Grant’s Gym, and 47-year-old Ryan Wade, who represented the UK in the world championships last year.

Mr Wade said: “Mr Darlington will be somebody who’s aware of bodybuilding, but is athletic looking.

“It’s about training, fitness and looking after yourself – it’s an art form keeping yourself healthy and displaying physical perfection.

“It’s something Darlington’s not had for a while and it’s something that we’re hoping people and businesses will get behind.”

The show will take place from noon on Sunday, May 10, and entrants of all ages are invited to take part in a number of categories.

To stand a chance of becoming Mr Darlington, you must train or live in the Darlington postcode.

Tickets for the competition are £10 and can be bought at the venue or in advance by emailing browgrant30@yahoo.co.uk or calling 07971-048-751.

Entry to all categories is now open and entry forms can be obtained from emailing or calling using the details above.