I founded the Cheetahs in 1953. We started weight training in a large garage in Lower Market Street, Hove - Pete Lade, myself and three other members.

Our main activity was weight lifting but Pete and I enjoyed cycle racing and road walking as well. In those days, our badge told the world we were "The Cheetahs Culture and Athletic Club".

In about 1960, the club's physique champion, Dave Reid, aged 16, entered the Junior Mr Britain contest in London and was runner-up to Paul Nash.

In later years, Dave emigrated to Canada and after much studying, took a doctorate in orthopedic surgery at Edmonton university. He became eminent as a consultant.

In 1963, I moved the gymnasium to the King Alfred in Hove with the more modern title "The Cheetahs Health Studios".

A new partner, Ric Pitkethley, helped me to run it and the club flourished with more than 100 members. Due to pressure of work in 1970, I had to leave and Ric took over sole control.

Later, with another partner, Johnnie Bubb, they opened several other gyms with all the latest aids and equipment and turned the venture into a million pound-a-year business.

With a general decline in the Eighties, several of the gyms had to be closed with the exception of Cheetahs at the King Alfred and another branch called Shape in Devonshire Place, Brighton.

These flourished for several years and then the management changed again.

Now, 50 years after it commenced, the business is still going strong. The name above the door at the King Alfred is now "Cheetahs Gym".

-Alan Shelley, Brighton