Bodies on the line in memory of Pinchbeck gym founder

Some of the UK's strongest and fittest men and women will be paying a unique tribute to one of their own in Spalding next weekend.

At least 50 entrants from England, Ireland and Scotland will be contesting Mr and Miss England at South Holland Centre on Saturday, September 15, from 1pm.

The competition, incorporating Mr and Miss Lincolnshire, will be the first bodybuilding and fitness event in Spalding since the death last September of Scott Miller (44), co-founder of Heroes Gym in Pinchbeck and co-organiser of the IBFA (International Bodybuilding and Fitness Association) event for the last four years.

Vernon Gay, who set up Heroes Gym with Mr Miller in 2014, said: "Scott was very much into the fitness world and on one occasion, we went to a bodybuilding competition together.

"Later on, we were asked to run it and it went so well that we've taken it on ever since.

"This is the second year that Mr and Miss Lincolnshire will be happening in Spalding, but the first where we'll be running Mr and Miss England.

"It's going to be run pretty much the same way as last, except that there'll be a little bit of a memorial to Scott and also to Steve Curtis (49), of Sleaford, who did the DJ-ing at a lot of bodybuilding events and was very much a big character like Scott."

The competition itself will be spread over 21 categories, including first timers, juniors, seniors and athletic categories.

Vernon said: "Last year, we had about 35 entrants and this year we're expecting up to 50, with some from Ireland and Scotland.

"It was a brilliant event in Spalding last year, a great atmosphere and a very mixed crowd of young and old.

"A lot of sponsors are helping us this year and we just want people to come and appreciate the sport."