A VETERAN bodybuilding judge and contest organiser is celebrating 50 golden years in the business with a big anniversary bash next weekend.

Jim Charles, who runs Jim's Gym in Lye, has been helping men and women to get into shape for half a century - and at the grand age of 69 he's not planning to jump off the treadmill anytime soon.

Instead superfit Jim has lined up a series of anniversary shows to mark the mammoth milestone.

Known across the world for his devotion to the sport, Jim said: "Last year I was 68 and feeling great, now I'm 69 and feeling fine. I'll probably do it till I drop, but I'm not planning to drop for a while."

The fitness fanatic, who still does three sessions at the gym every week as well as playing table tennis almost every day, got into bodybuilding after being struck down with acute rheumatism and rheumatic fever in his teens.

He spent two years in hospital suffering from the condition and his parents feared he may not pull though.

But gutsy Jim did bounce back and turned to pumping iron as a way of building up his strength.

His now legendary gym started out as a physical culture club' at the old Wordsley Institute in Wordsley High Street in 1958 - before moving to an old school building in Chapel Street, Lye, where it has remained for the last 43 years.

Around 18 months ago the bodybuilders' mecca was left a burnt out shell after being hit by arsonists.

Much of Jim's treasured memorabilia was also destroyed.

But, inspired by the famous I'll be back' saying of bodybuilder turned Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger - who competed in front of Jim in the Mr Universe contests in the sixties, the determined Mr Charles brought the gym back to life and it is now more popular than ever.

Just when he thought he was on track for this year's celebrations, another setback followed - when he was ordered out of Brierley Hill Civic Hall because the bronze bodypaint worn by competing musclemen was making too much mess.

But after discussions with council bosses the matter was resolved and father-of-two Jim has three anniversary shows lined up this year at the venue which has become internationally renowned among muscle fans.

The first of the three events, the International Open Pro-Am Oscar Awards', takes place on Sunday May 18 - and five times Mr Universe champion Eddie Ellwood will be attending the bash, the qualifier for the Mr Britain competition.

Jim is also hoping his old pal Arnie might take time out from being governor of California to attend the event.

He said: "I've invited him to come and reminded him about the time I was on stage with him years ago. I'd love him to be there - or just be kind enough to write me a letter and wish me luck."

Two further celebratory shows are also planned for September 21 and October 26.

Tickets for the Pro-Am cost £15 and are available from Jim on 01384 892976.