A Workington man has revealed how he is using a new-found love of bodybuilding to help raise cash for charity.

Patrick Carr, 40, of Moss Bay, will create a calendar in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria. 

If he makes enough cash, he will also support Children in Cumbria with Cancer if he makes enough money.

The father-of-five lost almost three-and-a-half stones in three months and will feature in all 12 of the pictures, showing off his new physique.

Patrick, a veteran Uppies and Downies player, came up with the idea after discovering one of his friends had been ill.

He said: "I bumped into a friend of mine who had had chemotherapy and had finished her last course.

"She's had cancer and had a breast removed.

"She said she wanted to give something back and do something for Macmillan. I have heard that calendars are a good way of raising money.

"My martial arts coach was the inspiration behind the bodybuilding and I thought that if he could do it, I could do it."

The former martial arts champion and decided he needed to lose weight and started going to the gym, but decided he would shed the pounds through bodybuilding.

After three months of hard work, his weight dropped from 13-and-a-half stones to 10st 4lb. 

The photoshoot will take place in the next few weeks and the calendars are expected to go on sale later this year.

As well as the calendar, a fund-raising night will take place next month to help raise extra funds for the charities and local businesses have donated raffle prizes.

He added: "Instead of running in the morning and burning off fat reserves, I would put a rucksack with firewood and walk to Harrington or Maryport.

"I have more time for other people now. It's changed my life. I feel like that was a massive achievement.

"I want to thank my kids and my coach. I used to ring him late at night and ask for advice and he was very patient and without him I would not have done this."