A BODYBUILDER is preparing for a second world championship dream after he took a year out to up his game and be an even bigger success than last year.

James White, from Brough St Giles, near Catterick Garrison, came fourth in his first world championship bodybuilding competition in Rome in 2015 – but despite doing so well he decided not to compete in 2016 and instead focus on bulking up and building strength.

He said: “It was a great experience and I met so many amazing people. I was so pleased to have been placed fourth in the world but I was the youngest there at 18 and smaller than other in my age group so I wanted to take this year to get bigger and hopefully be even more successful next year.”

He is now preparing to go to Budapest, Hungary at the start of August to train with Mr Hungary and gain more experience.

Mr White, 19, is sponsored by Premier Meats, which has recently opened a new food court and bistro at Colburn Lodge, after striking up a deal with managing director Mark Whittaker when he had a stall at Catterick Market.

Mr White, a kitchen fitter by trade with CW Preston of Northallerton, said: “We used to get all our meat from Catterick Market because we would get a much better deal than from the supermarket, and when I told him what I was doing he offered to sponsor me, which has been fantastic.

“My next competition will be in May next year in Hartlepool, where I will hopefully qualify for Britain in the National Amateur Body Building Association.

“I have been changing my diet a lot to put on weight. The world championships last year were such a good experience and I learned a lot – it really gave me a taste for next year and want to be the best.”