POWERHOUSE gym owner Graham Porter has gone all soft, after four of his protégés hit the heights of the body building scene.

Muscle-bound Graham, owner of Gray's Gym, Nantwich Road, Crewe, enjoyed a superb bodybuilding career himself, winning British and English Masters titles several times, and representing his country.

But the recent achievements of Tim Rosiek, Nathan Robinson, Shaun Hampton and Kelvin Hinde - who all train at Gray's - have made him all mushy.

Graham, 59, said: 'I'm very proud of them. After I stopped competing myself, my ambition was to run a gym that produces great bodybuilders, so really they have made my dream come true. It's an amazing feeling.

'This gym is now one of the best in the country for producing a number of bodybuilders of a high standard. We specialise in that and it is what we are good at.

'These are four very dedicated men, the like of which you don't come across very often. I think I'm a bit of a father-figure for them. I give them advice on training and nutrition, but they are all very knowledgeable themselves.'

The quartet, all in their twenties, have certainly been busy in 2006.

Tim was first novice and second overall at the North Staffs Open. He was first novice at the Mr England and Mr Wigan contests and also scooped the overall prize at the latter.

The personal trainer also took top spot in the U23 and novice categories at Mr Wales, came second in the U90kg section at the British Night of Champions and was second overall in Mr World.

Nathan is the current Mr UK, and scooped first places at the East Midlands and West Midlands championships. The South Cheshire College student was second in the U21 section at Mr Wigan, and was fourth in the Mr England contest.

Kelvin won the North Staffs Open and came second in the East Midlands and Central Britain events, while Shaun was second in the U21 section of the North Staffs Open, and third U21 at Mr England.

Graham added: 'They all have plenty of potential to go even further and I'm sure they will all achieve plenty more. People like them inspire others, and I'm more than happy to give advice to anyone who is interested.'

* To contact Graham Porter, call 07845 521420.