MUSCLE-BOUND men from across the country pulled tractors, lifted huge weights and dragged metal frames at a strongman competition in Hampshire.

Competitors battled it out in three different categories and took part in a range of events, some of which proved too daunting even for those with most brawn.

Hundreds of enthusiasts turned out to watch the show at Brockenhurst College on Sunday and cheered on the entrants as they lifted the log and did “the farmer’s run”, carrying 130 kilograms in each hand.

Martin Cee, dubbed “the voice of strongman”, was delighted with the crowds and weather at the weekend event.

He said: “I’d say it’s a really good crowd because we do a lot of town centres and stuff and you get people turning up accidentally, but here they have all come for us.”

As for the quality of lifting on show he noted that some competitors were having trouble gripping some of the weights, but insisted all-round ability scores more highly than simply being good at one event.

“It’s not being brilliant at some things, it’s being reasonable at everything”, he said.

The crowd enjoyed the sunshine, eating ice creams and burgers on offer, and encouraged the competitors who struggled to hoist the enormous weights above their heads.

Louise Abbott came to watch her partner take part and said she was enjoying the experience. She said: “I go to a lot of these things and it’s always a good event.

“I brought the kids along and we’ve just taken a look at the cows across the road. We’re here to support my partner but it’s always a great atmosphere – it’s a good community and everyone’s really friendly.”

Rob Cooney was the winning novice while “Thumper” Todd came first in the under 90s category and Ben Gould triumphed in the opens category, closely followed by Jo Tarrant and David Waszkiewicz.