The 27-year-old bodybuilder, from Woodston, has just found out he will represent the UK in the international Mr Universe competition.

The event will be held in Southport, Lancashire, on Sunday, attracting competitors from all corners of the globe.

Mr Reinaldo was invited to take part in Mr Universe after coming second in his category at the Mr England competition on September 21. His friend, and fellow Peterborough strongman, Ricardo Correia, came second in the novice class of Mr England, and will now go on to compete at the novice Mr Britain final on October 26.

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Watch an interview with Woodston bodybuilder Rob Reinaldo who is organising a Mr Peterborough competition.
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Speaking to The Evening Telegraph Mr Reinaldo, who is manger of the city's Ultra Bodies gym, said: "This really is a dream come true.

"Although I do not think I will win the Mr Universe title this year, I do hope to make it through to the top six.

"My trainer reckons I could make it in the top three, but I guess we will just have to wait and see. I am keeping everything crossed."

As part of the contest, Mr Reinaldo has to flex his muscles in a variety of different poses in front of a panel of judges, who will be comparing all the candidates' muscle definition, size, condition and overall presentation.

In order to make sure his body is ready for the contest, for the past 16 weeks Mr Reinaldo has been on a strict diet, which consists of eating 50g of carbohydrates, 25g of fat and 400g of protein a day.

He also trains three times a day, every day – this includes a 45-minute cardio vascular workout at 4am, weight-training at 2pm and another cardio session at 8pm.

At 5ft 11ins tall, Mr Reinaldo can weigh up to 20 stones when he is not training, but is now a toned 17 stones, and in the 18 hours before he goes on stage he will have no fluids in an attempt to lose another half a stone.

Bodybuilding is a way of life for Mr Reinaldo, who first started training in his native Portugal, but on his arrival in Peterborough in 2004 he was advised to start competiting by his first gym manager.

So committed is he to the sport, Mr Reinaldo organised a Mr Peterborough event back in June for fellow bodybuilders.

The competition took place in Radius, above the Solstice bar, in Northminster Road, and drew entrants from as far afield as London, who tried to outshine each other in various categories.