A HEREFORD bodybuilder who has devoted his life to the sport for the last five years has qualified for the Novice Universe competition this weekend after winning the crown of England Novice Champion.

Sam Scotford has shown that dedication does pay off after finishing third place in the Physical Culture Association (PCA) finals in October.

Later that month Scotford entered the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (Nabba) in the England Novice Class.

Scotford went on to win the title of England Novice Champion earning himself a place at Novice Universe.

"I started bodybuilding around five years ago and tried to establish myself in the game," said Scotford.

"I knew it was going to be hard but I have been so dedicated to the sport 24 hours a day and I have now put my name on the map.

"This is a massive achievement so I'm currently still in preparation.

"It has been a long preparation period for over six months and the commitment you have to give to the sport, there's nothing like it.

"I eat seven times a day and get up at 5.30am to go to the gym and then back home to eat before a days plastering in my job.

"When I finish work I then hit the gym again for two hours so it never stops."

Scotford has recently been given a sponsorship deal with Ignite Nutrition and plans to have a year away from the sport before returning to take on the Class 1 category in 2020 to 2021.

"I'm looking forward to have a year out after the Novice Universe competition to grow and focus on my life and my partner Alicia Webb.

"She's been my rock for the last five years and I couldn't have done it without her. It takes someone special to be a bodybuilder's boyfriend so I'm looking forward to enjoying the festive period and food and then helping others young athletes in the gym.

"It's great to see Hereford on the bodybuilding map and people so much into their fitness these days. I currently train at Elite Performance and always help others around me to achieve their goals.

"That's so rewarding for me seeing them reach their goals."

Scotford will be working with coach Josh Marley again in 2020-2021 to form 'Team Viking'.