A HUDDERSFIELD bobby who is Mr Gay UK hopes to become Mr Gay Europe.

And Pc Mark Carter, 24, will make history as the first Mr Gay UK delegate to make the European contest.

Mark, who patrols Huddersfield, hit the headlines last September when he became Mr Gay UK 2006.

Now he will compete against 26 finalists in Budapest, Hungary, for the title of Mr Gay Europe 2007.

The five-day competition includes a swimwear round, personal interviews and a public vote, together with a talent contest and a round where delegates vote for other hopefuls.

Event organiser Morten Ruda, who has worked for the Miss Universe and Miss Norway contests, says: “The young man selected will be more than just a pretty face and a nice body.

“While physical beauty will be part of the judges’ considerations it is a young man’s inner beauty that will make the difference in the selection.”

Mark, who lives in Bradford, will hand his Mr Gay UK crown to this year’s winner next month. He says he is keen to add another title to his name, so he has been preparing physically and mentally.

He says: “I trained very hard for the Mr Gay UK final, although my preparations for this contest have been a little different.

“I have spent a lot more time in the gym with my two training partners and less time out running. I’ve also been researching political topics and possible questions which the judges could ask.”

Three years ago Mark led a double life, hiding his sexuality from friends, family and colleagues.

During his year as Mr Gay UK he made personal appearance across the country acting as a role model. He featured in various publications, writes a column for Bent magazine and released his own calendar to raise money for the Albert Kennedy Trust, a gay homeless charity.

Mark says: “I think I’ve been in a position to break down stereotypes. I hope I’ve crushed some of the prejudices that gay people still face today.”

Mark is continuing his full-time career with the police. He says: “Despite being Mr Gay UK my career is with West Yorkshire Police.

“I work with a great team of people on my shift and everyone has been very supportive. Being gay is not an issue and I think this signifies how times have changed for the better.”

To vote for Mark as Mr Gay Europe visit www.mrgayeurope.com