FIRST it was Wales, next it was Britain – now an Aberporth woman is hoping to conquer the Universe after her latest success at the British National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association championships.

Carys Llewelyn lifted the British Miss Bikini Open title at the competition in Southport to add to the Welsh crown she picked up in Newport.

And now the 32-year-old’s eyes are firmly set on the Universe crown, to be staged in Bradford at the end of the year.

It is a fantastic achievement after only taking up the sport last year.

“I could not believe it when I won, I was just so happy” said Carys, who now lives in New Quay where she runs the SeaMor dolphin watching business with her boyfriend.

“I don’t think anyone expected me to come home with the trophy. There was 14 of us in the final and I was looking at the others when we were back stage and thought maybe I could make the top six.

“When we were stood on stage, I was thinking to myself, ‘please don’t call my name, please call my name’, I was so excited.

“It makes all the hard work, dieting and exercise worthwhile. I was thinking about calling it a day but am buzzing now and want to go on stage again next week.”

Carys hopes to receive an invitation to the Universe finals on November 2 but for now she will take it easy for a few weeks.

“I cannot diet down until then and am looking forward to going out and having a coffee and cake with friends, although I won’t be going too crazy,” she added.

“At the end of August, I will start my preparations again.”