FROM rubbing shoulders with actress Jayne Mansfield to holding a British record for the bicep curl, Derek Manthorpe’s life story is packed with eye-catching achievements.

The former gym owner died at Ashton House nursing home in Haywards Heath late last month, aged 90.

He was born in Brighton in 1929 and many in the city may remember him from his days in charge of Manorbe Health Studio in Hove, where he trained some of the greatest bodybuilders of the time.

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The faces that passed through Derek’s gym were the same as those which graced the health and fitness magazines of the day, with perfectly preened hair and more abdominals on show than you could count on one hand.

But the fitness fanatic also practised what he preached – as this picture, left, proves – and his chiselled torso was also featured in a great number of publications.

He began weightlifting at a young age, balancing his passion with a job as a French polisher.

But his progress was cut short when he was conscripted into the Army, where he chose to becoming a paratrooper in Dortmund, Germany.

“There was a bit more money and better grub,” he later explained to his son, also called Derek.

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Despite a near-death experience in training when his parachute failed to open – he was just able to release the silk with seconds to spare – he emerged from his time with the forces and made an immediate return to bodybuilding.

Derek quickly became famed for his “muscle control” abilities and fought for the title of Mr Universe and Mr Britain titles, reaching the final of both competitions on six occasions. He also held the British record for the two-handed bicep curl, lifting 177lb.

While his brawn continued to impress crowds during his time on the stage, it was his bravery which earned him many admirers away from the limelight.

In the 1950s, Derek spotted a crook who was being hunted by police after committing a string of offences.

But, rather than reach for the nearest phone, he decided to detain the man himself.

It was around this time that he opened his gym, Manorbe Health Studio, alongside business partner Dick Orbell, underneath the old ice rink.

It was one of the first centres of its kind in the country, and was opened by actor Jayne Mansfield along with then-husband and 1955 Mr Universe Micky Hargitay.

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Outside his career, he was also a lover of sports such as horse racing, football, rugby and athletics and he had a keen ear for opera.

Later in life, he began a second career alongside his son in which he provided accommodation to homeless departments.

“He worked tirelessly and provided a kind wise ear to all who needed it until he was 83 when an illness incapacitated him for a few months,” his son explained.

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He also paid tribute to his father.

Derek said: “Dad was incredibly kind, loving and hard working throughout his life. Always finding a way to help others in whatever business he was in.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better father, or friend.

“He has left a great hole in our family.”