Move to muscle in on the big league

Talks are under way with senior representatives from body-building associations in France and Italy to rotate the European and World Championships between the Continent and Barnoldswick in Pendle where the prestigious annual Pendle Valley body-building contest is held.

The Pendle Valley event attracts top class competitors from France and Italy who are so impressed with the event that proposals have been made to rotate the international events between the three countries in future.

This year's Pendle contest was held at Rolls-Royce Sports and Social Club.

Roger Noon, one of the organisers, said: "It was the best show we've ever had without a doubt. The standards were the highest we've ever seen.

"Eight Italians came over, four of them were national champions, and two French national champions. It was a sell-out how and a tremendous success.

"The presidents of the French and Italians body-building associations were also over and they were so impressed with the event they are talking about rotating the European and world championships around the three of us.

"We really would see some international class competitors coming to little Barnoldswick then.

"It's early days yet but we are very excited at the thought that body-builders from all over the world could be coming here."

Jon Nield, 28 of Lumb, Rossendale, who owns Ultimate Physique gym, Accrington, came second in the Mr section of the Pendle Valley contest and will be one of two people to represent the UK in the European championships in July.

Other East Lancashire successes were marked up by Rowan Morrissey, 20, of Nelson, who won the under-21s junior section, and 37-year-old Earl Lee, of Laneshaw Bridge, Colne, who trains at the Rolls-Royce club and won came third in the novices.

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