SECRETARY of the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) Val Charles, from Quarry Bank, has been given the prestigious role of secretary for the organisation’s world championships.

Val, wife of international bodybuilding judge and show organiser Jim Charles - of Jim’s Gym, has been the original competitive bodybuilding association’s UK secretary for the last 17 years and will now take on the international role for the next four years after beating off applicants from France, Brazil and Spain to clinch the top post.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the organisation, which stages regional, national and international bodybuilding competitions including the famed Mr Universe contest previously won by Arnold Schwarzenegger, can call 01384 898578 or email val@nabbahq.demon.co.uk

The next Black Country event will be the Novice Finals and British Youth Championships taking place at Brierley Hill Civic Hall on Sunday November 17.