Heanor: Town says goodbye to 'legendary' gym owner and bodybuilder

Val Lawrence was a larger-than-life character, say friends

A Derbyshire town has paid tribute to one of its best-loved residents following his death.

Val Lawrence, owner of Val's Gym in Heanor, died in April aged 77.

Despite being old enough to collect his pension, the bodybuilder was a fitness fanatic lauded for his "infectious" energy.

A funeral service took place at a packed St Lawrence's in Church Street, Heanor, on Thursday to celebrate his life.

The church was so full with about 250 well-wishers that some people were unable to get inside.

The service took place in a packed church

Friend and gym-goer Shaun Hogg told the BBC: "It's a very tough day for myself and many others around the area, especially in Heanor. He was a great man.

"I've known him since 1991. My brother said he was going to take me to the gym to meet Val - 30 years on I'm still going.

"He was a legend, I don't use the word lightly. Unique. For me and many other people it was an honour to have spent so much time with him.

"He just gave so much to everybody, touched a lot of people in so many ways, explaining about fitness and dieting. There were no half measures, he was about respect, dedication and hard work.

"I've never know anybody shout at so many people and they all loved him."

Val touched many people's lives, said friend Danny Twells

Friend Danny Twells told BBC Radio Derby: "It's a sad day, Heanor's lost a beautiful soul and a good friend to everybody.

"For him to go from his gym to the shops, you could never set your clock when he'd be coming back because he'd meet someone and give them time.

"I was fat, overweight, money-hungry. He punched me in the belly and said if you want to get rid come to my gym.

"He made a major impression on my life. He wasn't in it for the money, it was something he was passionate about.

"Val might have been small but he was a larger-than-life character. He would speak to anybody, wasn't interested in who you were, what your background was, he could see something in you."