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A Blackwood gym which started life as a family-run venture is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Unique Health and Fitness, on Hall Street, first opened its doors on September 11, 1995, as Blackwood Unique Fitness Centre. It was launched by the James family – brothers Richard and Andrew, along with their parents Bill and Barbara – and was the first gym of its kind in the borough.

Now operated solely by Richard, the gym has grown into a cornerstone of the local community, welcoming generations of members looking to improve their health and wellbeing.

Speaking about the milestone, Richard said: “When we first opened in 1995, fitness wasn’t the industry it is today. My brother and I, with the help of our parents, wanted to give local people a welcoming, supportive place to improve their health, and that’s exactly what we’ve stayed true to.

“Thirty years on, it’s incredible to look back at how many lives we’ve touched.”

The gym now boasts modern facilities, a focus on personal support, and a continued commitment to the community.

Richard said he and his team remain dedicated to ensuring Blackwood has a gym that lives up to its name – “unique in every sense.”