He’s conquered the world of power lifting and now moved on to football.

Gary Haynes, of Ashmore Park, Wednesfield, will be travelling to Geneva in May to represent England in the European Football Championships for people with learning difficulties.

The 44-year-old, who is a member of the Sporting Hall of Fame at Aldersley Leisure Village, will be playing up front for the national side. He already has a host of gold medals and world records from his power lifting days but wanted a new challenge after retiring.

Mr Haynes, who took part in the national football trials last week, has been attending Stow Heath Day Centre five days a week for the past 24 years.

Centre deputy manager Brian Haselum said everyone was extremely proud of his latest sporting success.

“He is a great ambassador for both the day centre and Wolverhampton as a whole,” he said. “He is a true inspiration and loves his sport more than anything.”

Stow Heath is hoping to send three or four of its youngster users to Geneva to cheer on Gary and the English side and is now looking for donations.

Call 01902 553346 for more information.