BUFF bodybuilders from across the county gathered at the inaugural Mr Cumbria competition in tribute to a former Mr Universe from Barrow. 

The first International Bodybuilding Fitness Association (IBFA) qualifier to be held in Cumbria took place on Sunday, with around 300 spectators watching the Mr Northern Counties qualifier, which culminates in British and World competitions. 

The event has been brought about by Martyn Yates Brown, IBFA UK president, who named it Mr Cumbria in tribute to Barrow bodybuilder Bill Hemsworth who won a record four Mr Britain titles. 

Mr Hemsworth, of Gleaston, famously won Mr Universe in 1971, a title previously won by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The former shipyard worker set up Furness Health Studio in Greengate Street in 1968 and ran it until his retirement in 2004. He died in 2013 aged 75. 

Joe Walker, of Broughton, who worked for Mr Hemsworth at Furness Health Studio, said he had been an inspiration to many. 

He said: "He devised the start of what we do now. He was so successful and helped so many people. He was a fantastic man." 

Mr Hemsworth's daughter, Kay Hemsworth Ashworth, of Holbeck Rise, Barrow, attended on Sunday. 

She said: "It was dad's passion. It was my childhood and then I've had my family and it's always been our life. "The wonderful thing about him was he never lost his roots. People say how humble he was. He's just been so well thought of. It's lovely." 

Mr Hemsworth inspired his grandson Simon Dickinson, of Wensum Lea, Walney, to become a bodybuilder himself. 

Mr Dickinson, 38, said: "He helped me to a couple of bodybuilding titles in 2005 and 2006. He was the best at what he did. You couldn't ask for anyone better to coach you." 

The competition was a double whammy for Workington friends Darren Fulton and Karl Gorman, who won their under and over 85kg classes, respectively. 

The pair then went head to head before the judging panel for the title of Mr Cumbria but it was Darren who pipped his friend to the post.