TENBY bodybuilder Shamsul Ali has rounded off a superb year of competition in style with a top six finish in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation event in Nottingham this month.

The 30-year-old, now based in Weymouth, qualified for the competition as one of 24 regional winners from around the UK, having been crowned Welsh champion in September.

Competing in the ‘Men’s Physique up to 178 centimetres’ category, Shamsul made the initial cut down to 11 entrants, and then was delighted to discover he survived the next cut to make the last six.

“When my number was called out I was over the moon,” admitted Shamsul.

“I considered that an amazing achievement in itself as I didn’t expect it.”

However, there was in fact mixed emotions when he was confirmed in sixth place, as ahead of him were two competitors who he had beaten in previous competitions.

But he won’t be now resting on his laurels, and has already stated his intention to improve ahead of competing in 2017.

“I’ve gained a lot more experience from within the industry this year and have really improved my training and dieting. I have an excellent coach in Neil Hill and with his help and support I can get extra weight on and start hitting the stage with a bigger frame.”

Shamsul, a salesman who works six days a week, has also said he intends to take more time out this year to focus on bodybuilding.

“I want to do some personal training work and that would make it easier for me to combine training.

“I’m 30 now and I don’t want to look back in a few year, when it may be too late, and regret not giving it a proper go.”

He added he also intended to become more active on his social media accounts and YouTube channel.

“The more followers I can get the better,” he said.

For more information on Shamsul's career, follow him on instagram @shamsulali86.