A HEREFORD man who is making waves in the competitive fitness industry hopes to inspire others and put the city on the map.

Sam Scotford represented Hereford in the Muscle Model category at the Miami Pro event in St Albans and came fourth out of 40 athletes from around the world, earning a place at a pro event next March.

Scotford started training three years ago and is now working out three hours a day, five days a week.

He said: "What started me is the drive – I like to set a goal and I like to win.

"Everyone can reach their goal if they put the effort in and chase their dream which I have.

"The experience was second to none – seeing all the other athletes from around the world compete in a show like this was amazing to see and listen to their journey.

"Out of a strong 40 athletes, placing fourth is brilliant for my profile not only in the gym but outside of the gym as I'm a sponsored Repwear Fitness athlete and sponsored by Danny Miami and I'm also hoping to get a food sponsor next few weeks."

Scotford says he has been contacted by people locally asking for advice about diet and training. He hopes he can help inspire others.

"I like helping other people out and I always get people messaging me about diet and training and asking how long I train for or what food I eat," he said.

"I love giving advice back. The fitness industry in Hereford has taken off and me doing well at Miami pro and the Welsh championships goes to show hard work pays off.

"The plan now is to relax and have a few months off the gym and spend it with family and my girlfriend.

"I also plan to help people around me reach their goals as I thrive on helping people in the gym."

Next year, he plans to compete and aims to get his Pro card and compete in the Pure Elite Show, PTA and Miami Pro.