former world champion bodybuilder Johnny Fuller, who was banned from a Swindon gym for hogging the equipment, has died aged 61.

Johnny competed all over the world in the 1970s and 1980s, and triumphed in both the European and World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships in 1980.

He was hugely popular in America and he trained in California's gyms with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the ex-bodybuilder turned film star, and now state governor.

But Johnny was also a well-known character in Swindon, when he moved to the town after hearing about the good gym facilities.

He trained at the Brunel Gym and Spa Centre twice a week for around year.

In March 1987, Johnny had an argument with the management of the gym and was banned after allegations that he was "hogging" the equipment.

But Johnny thought he was good for the gym, and said he offered help and training advice to other users.

At the time the bodybuilder told the Advertiser: "I've always been courteous and made many friends at the gym.

"I think the reason for the ban must be jealousy. Bodybuilding is a very competitive sport."

He later moved to Bournemouth and made the popular seaside resort his home.

Long-time friend Andrew Lever from Boscombe, Bournemouth, remembers the sparse equipment available then for aspiring bodybuilders.

"The amazing fact is that Johnny trained for the top championships using just a few barbells and dumbbells at the YMCA," he said.

"These were kept in a little cupboard and had to be put back after the workout!"

He added: "But he was always there to give advice to up and coming bodybuilders and sportsmen."

And Johnny, who originally hailed from Jamaica and moved to England in 1978, didn't limit his talents to just bodybuilding.

He was also a professional boxer for six years, a karate black belt and he had played football for West Indian clubs, as well as being a schoolboy champion sprinter.

Johnny later became a familiar figure at clubs and bars in Bournemouth, where he worked as a doorman.

The world champion and former Mr Bournemouth, was always better known across the pond than in his home country.

Mr Lever added: "In America, people used to pay him to come and train at their gyms because it made them look good.

"But when he came back to Bournemouth, he had to go back to paying to get into his local sports centre."

Johnny's funeral will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Strouden Avenue, Bournemouth on Monday at 10am. All are welcome.