A Barrow gym owner and bodybuilding stalwart is to come out of retirement to raise money for a local hospice. 

Champion bodybuilder Keith Devlin, 72, who owns Ironwerx Gym on James Freel Close, last competed 21 years ago when he was 51. 

Keith has an impressive record and is a five-time winner of the over 45 Mr Cumbria, two-time winner of the over 50 Mr Britain, two-time fourth Mr Universe and one-time fourth Mr World.

Keith previously set himself the task of re-gaining his six-pack for his 72nd birthday.

The Mail: Keith DevlinHe has now chosen to raise money for St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston which provides free comfort and care for people with advancing illness, as well as support for their families.

The Mr & Miss Cumbria 2024 competition will take place on September 22.

"I'll be 73 by the time I compete," Keith said. "For a while, people have been telling me l should do the over 65 Class and I've had the lads in the gym badgering me to get back on stage - so I decided I'm going to do it for a very good cause.

The Mail: St Marys Hospice, Ulverston.REF:0057957"I picked St Mary's Hospice because I know a few people who have gone in, but sadly, haven't come back out.

"That's what they do though is provide comfort and peace for people in their last years.

"I'm just in the process of setting up the donation page so people can follow the Ironwerx Gym Barrow page for updates."

The Mail: Keith when he was winner of over 45s Mr Cumbria and was third in Mr CumbriaKeith already trains five times a week, Monday to Friday, and is already at around 12 per cent body fat.

He follows all his own diet plans which do not include counting calories or weighing food.

Keith said: "Around ten weeks before will be when I'll be working to get down to around five per cent body fat.

The Mail: Ironwerk Gym in Barrow just after its spray painted logo was revealed in 2014"Every day is a school day for me and I've learned a lot since my last competition. I won't be doing anything too different, however I won't be revealing too much to my competitors.

"I'll be working to put on more muscle and having more protein. I don't really eat a carb-loaded diet, unless it's on the weekend and I have chocolate.

"I'll be working on a decent posing routine and getting some new budgie smugglers."

To keep up-to-date with the competition and how to donate, visit the Ironwerx Gym Barrow - nutrition page.