Mercedes Connor, 34 and Jesse Bret California, 28, will vie for top spot at the Pure Elite London competition at The Beck Theatre in Kent.

A pair of Seaton bodybuilders will soon be competing for £17,000 of prizes in a regional competition.

Mercedes Connor, 34 and Jesse Bret California, 28, will vie for top spot at the Pure Elite London competition at The Beck Theatre in Kent.

Jesse will be competing in the Beach Body category. Mercedes will compete in three categories: Tattooed Muscle, Fitness Model and Muscle Model.

Three years ago, Jesse, a former accountant, weighed in at nearly 16 stone and had a 40 inch waist.

He said: “I first went into bodybuilding just to lose a bit of weight and then it engulfed my life. My priorities changed from going out drinking and not looking after myself to being in the gym.

“I’ve transformed myself and now believe I can take this experience to become a personal trainer.

“I’ve only competed once before, but still came 15th out of 40. I’m hoping this time to make the top five, but it will be tough as I’m up against 21 other competitors.”

Mercedes has already achieved competition success for Women That Lift, Fitness Model and G-Lifting where she was placed second on two occasions, and 3rd. She hopes to retain a third place or higher this time round.

The couple first met on Facebook, then through a gym where they became training partners. They now train every morning and evening at B! Health and Fitness in Lyme Regis.

Craig Bernhardt, founder of B! Health and Fitness said: “The dedication and total commitment displayed by Brett and Mercedes to transform their physiques for the competition has been nothing short of inspirational.

“What makes this even more impressive for me is that they are demonstrating to others that you can have an incredible physique without using harmful synthetic substances, such as anabolic steroids.

“Results that are derived from hard training, a good tight diet, appropriate rest and sheer hard work and determination are so much more impressive.”

For more information or to follow Jesse and Mercedes progress, visit bhealthandfitness.co.uk or call 01297 442266.