A TRIO of buff brothers will compete to be named Mr Darlington next month.

Bodybuilding brothers Joe, Oliver and Alex Cocking will flex their pecs in a bid to take the coveted title from its current holder, town mayor Councillor Gerald Lee.

While Cllr Lee undoubtedly performs well in the official role, the new Mr Darlington will be more comfortable in the gym than mayoral chains.

The title will be up for grabs on Sunday, May 10 when a bodybuilding competition takes place at the town’s Dolphin Centre.

With years of fitness training and bodybuilding under their belts, the Cocking brothers more than meet the criteria set by organisers Grant Brown – of Grant’s Gym – and champion bodybuilder Ryan Wade.

Mr Wade said they are looking for someone athletic looking who demonstrated physical perfection and an awareness of training and fitness.

The Cocking brothers’ mother, Debbie, said her boys have those qualities in spades.

Joe, 23, Alex, 21 and Oliver, 17 have benefited from Mrs Cocking’s own devotion to a healthy lifestyle.

She said: “They work really hard – I used to train myself and have encouraged them to do the same.

“They’re really dedicated and are great role models for other young lads.”

Joe said the brothers were supporting each other to get fit for the event.

He said: “We want to make our mum proud of us – she puts up with the three of us and has really helped us.

“Having my brothers alongside me in this makes me more determined to push for it.”

The brothers will compete in different categories at the upcoming competition, which takes place from noon and forms part of the IBFA Mr and Miss County Durham open bodybuilding event.

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