STRONGman Paul Bell is hoping to muscle in on European success after missing out on glory closer to home.
The veteran bodybuilder was looking forward to competing at the recent annual Mr and Miss Durham City event.
But a mix up over entry deadlines meant his application was submitted too late and he was unable to compete in the competition, at Meadowfield Sports Centre.
Mr Bell was keen to ensure his dedicated gym and diet preparation were not wasted, so he made a late application to take part in another contest on the same weekend.
He not only competed, but came second in the Mr International event, at Pendle Valley, near Skipton, in Yorkshire, beaten only by an Italian opponent.
As the highest-placed British bodybuilder, it earned him qualification for the Mr Europe championship, in Italy, later in the summer.
"It was a real bonus to win the qualification for the Mr Europe," he said.
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