CREWE bodybuilder Dean Garratt has his sights set on the BNBF Finals after making a winning return to competitive action.

After a three-year absence from the sport, the 33-year-old completed a successful comeback at the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Scottish Championships.

A researcher and part-time lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, Garratt bested 5 other competitors in the U72kg category before taking the Overall title against much larger athletes, displaying a winning combination of superior balance, proportion and condition.

"I've now qualified to compete at the Finals in Edinburgh on September 21," he said.

"Following the Scottish Championship I was drug tested and will later be polygraphed along with all other finalists by an FBI Chief of Police and expert polyographer.

"This is to ensure that all finalists are drug-free."

Dean's interest in bodybuilding began as a teenager when he took up weight training to build strength for athletics.

At 29, his decision to enter the competitive side of the sport paid dividends with several regional titles in the bag before taking the Association of Natural Bodybuilders (ANB) British U70kg title in 1999.

The Global stage was next and Garratt won the World IBBN U65kg title in Paris, followed by the World INB U70kg title in Leeds.

In 2000, he was awarded on merit an all-expenses aid trip to New York to contest the 'MuscleMania Superbody Contest', where he claimed the runners-up spot.

With the hunger back once again, Dean has been preparing for his comeback, training alone at Fitness First as soon as the gym opens, at 6.30am in the week and 8am on weekends.

"Training alone allows me to be much more instinctive, in terms of applying different levels of intensity and volume to my training," he added.

"I'm back in competition with the ANB in Holmfirth and then I will begin preparation for the BNBF finals.

"I have to thank my wife Claire for her support and positive encouragement throughout my preparation."