THE weight of the Church is firmly behind the battle to save an under-threat Newport leisure centre.

A bodybuilder- turned-Baptist minister is spearheading the campaign to save Underwood leisure centre, where he once won a muscle- man title. In November 1990 Derek Hayward took the title of Mr Gwent at the annual bodybuilding championship held at Underwood.

But the Underwood Baptist Free Church minister, who previously won all the UK's amateur muscle- man titles, is now using his brawn in a very different arena.

The 57-year-old has been appointed chairman of the Underwood leisure centre steering group, which is hoping to place the centre into trust control to save it from closing.

He said: "I first came to Underwood to win a bodybuilding title, now I'm back helping to build up the community."

Derek gave up bodybuilding when he was called to the ministry in 1997, but is still a keen sportsman and particularly enjoys cycling.

He told the Argus he believed the centre should remain open to serve as a focus for the community and to give others the opportunity to have the kind of sporting experiences he has enjoyed.

He said: "Underwood has a strong sense of identity and community spirit, and the leisure centre is an integral part of that.

"Our objective goes beyond just keeping the leisure centre open. Our aim is to draw upon local and national resources, its people, skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to improve the quality of life for our people."

Last month the city council announced it was reviewing the future of Underwood leisure centre.

The building needs urgent electrical and repair work costing around £1m, and closing it would save £140,000 a year.

But the community, angry that one of their few community facilities is in danger, has rallied to its defence.

Now plans to place the centre into the hands of a charitable trust look set to be given the go-ahead by council bosses.

Derek said: "We aim to form a board of trustees that will work in partnership with Newport city council and local representatives to unlock the potential within Underwood."