COLIN Jones has thanked training partner Mark Felix for helping him achieve a strongman title – now he wants to follow in his footsteps.

As Felix prepares to compete in his seventh World Strongest Man event, Jones is now setting his sights on domestic glory first.

He said: “I’ve been training with Mark for the last 18 months or so and he has been a big help.

“Ultimately, he is the type of guy I will be looking to emulate.”

The former Towneley High School pupil put in a near faultless display to win the UK Strongman North title – winning five of the six events.

“I’ve always trained to compete in strongman events,” said Jones who owns Riverside Gym in Padiham. “Ever since I was about 16-years-old, that is all I ever wanted to do. I haven’t converted from another sport but just trained in the gym.

“That was the main reason why I decided to open up my own gym.”

Jones won the Van Pull, Car Deadlift, Atlas Stones, Shield Carry and Medley to take the title.

Now he has set his sights on qualifying for the England Strongman finals – and then the UK’s Strongest Man.

Meanwhile, Felix flies out to North Carolina to compete in his year’s World Strongest Man.

And despite being 45-years-old – the oldest competitor in the field – Felix, who lives in Rishton is confident he can beat his best ever fourth place finish.

“He is still improving, beating personal bests and setting records,” said his wife Denny. “He finished in fourth place in 2006 which was his best performance so far.

“But, as ever, Mark will be aiming for the top spot.”