Musclemen help Jim celebrate 50 years

3:39pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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INTERNATIONALLY famous musclemen descended on Brierley Hill Civic Hall to help veteran bodybuilding judge and contest Jim Charles celebrate 50 years in the business.

The 69-year-old fitness fanatic, who runs Jim's Gym in Lye, held a big anniversary bash at the Bank Street venue on Sunday May 18.

Around 600 bodybuilding fans turned out to the event, the International Open Pro-Am Oscar Awards, including one of Jim's 1970s bodybuilding idols - former Mr Universe, Serge Nubret from Paris.

Jim said: "He's without doubt the most superb bodybuilder of all time. The last time I brought him over here was 1981, so it's been a while. Everyone was absolutely enraptured to see him."

Another former Mr Universe, Gary Lister from Doncaster, was also at the show and won the overall Pro-Am Oscar Award - which he then presented back to Jim in honour of the superfit father-of-two's dedication to the sport.

And it wasn't the first trophy Jim has received for his services to bodybuilding; he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at a contest in Southport earlier this month.

The Pro-Am was the first of three anniversary contests Jim has lined up at the popular Brierley Hill venue.

At one point last year he feared they would all have to be scrapped following a row over fake tan; because the bronze bodypaint worn by competitors was making too much mess.

But after discussions with hall bosses the matter was resolved - and Jim's next show will be on September 21. A third anniversary contest will be held on October 26.