A PERSONAL trainer has been crowned the world champion in a natural bodybuilding competition.

Ben Lloyd, son of cricket legend David Lloyd, claimed victory in the heavyweight class and the overall class at this year’s Drug-Free Athletics Coalition bodybuilding finals in Miami, USA.

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The 32-year-old from Accrington was awarded his professional card and can now compete in more high-profile competitions.

The regional and British national champion stuck to a tough dieting programme for several months to make sure he was in peak condition when he stepped out on stage.

Ben said he had originally entered the ‘novice category’ but had to be moved into the tougher ‘heavy category’ due to a low turnout in novice entries.

He said: “It’s been an absolutely incredible first year of competing and one which I’ll never forget.

“I felt like I had given my all during this latest prep and it paid off so much, I maybe could have been a little leaner but I didn’t want to flatten out too much.

“I’ve come so far in the past 12 months, I’ve done so much more than I thought I would.”

The gym fanatic, who trains several times a week, suffered a back injury five years ago while exercising and was told by surgeons he would never do weight training again.

His dad said: “He’s been absolutely incredible, his dedication, determination and discipline has been fantastic.

“It’s amazing that he started out doing it as a hobby and now he’s a world champion.”