Ref. 28532-12JAMES Barnett is the envy of his gym.

While those around him toil away to lose the festive pounds, James is busy planning his next mammoth meal.

The 25-year-old from Woodsman Road in Abbey Meads is preparing for a sponsored bodybuilding competition to be held in Aylesbury in July.

James, who works as a gym instructor at the Oasis Leisure Centre, decided he wanted to do something to help two-year-old Charlie Hancock, who was born with Down's syndrome as well as other sufferers.

Charlie's dad, Simon, 36, is a regular at the gym.

James, who has been training for the past four months for the contest organised by the British Natural Bodybuilding Feder-ation, now spends £130 a week on high protein food.

He said: "All the gym goers think it's really funny.

"They are desperately trying to lose the weight and I'm stuffing myself but they're all very supportive.

"Charlie has had a tough time of it recently and I wanted to do something to help him and his parents as well as other Down's syndrome sufferers."

All money raised will go to the Swindon Down's Syndrome Group.

Prior to the competition, all entrants must wax themselves, to enable the judges to see the extent of their training. But not all the training is done down the gym.

"You only tend to grow when you are asleep so I have been sleeping for anything up to 13 hours a day," he said.

Charlie's family, who live in South Marston, expressed their thanks to James.

His mum, Mandy Hancock, 36, said: "We are both over the moon that he chose to support a Down's syndrome charity.

"Sufferers can lead perfectly normal lives if they are given the necessary support."

Anybody wanting to sponsor James can contact him on 07973 766072.

Kevin Shoesmith