A Wharfedale hairdresser is aiming to show he’s ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest of the world – by excelling at Mr Universe.

Businessman and bodybuilder David Steca came second in the Masters – over-50s – section of last Sunday’s Mr England contest, earning him a place at Mr Universe on Saturday, October 12.

The 54-year-old, who hails from Ilkley and started his chain of barber shops in Otley 23 years ago, has won a series of awards for his bodybuilding including a third place in Mr Europe and, in 1990, the Mr UK title.

Buoyed by his performance at Mr England, he is hoping for further success in the 2013 Mr Universe in Southport.

Commenting on his unusual mixture of hobby and profession, he said: “I suppose I don’t really fit the stereotype of a hairdresser.”