SOUTHAMPTON gym bunnies gathered for a special class from one of the world's most muscular men.

The group from Saints for Sport had an hour's training session with Paul Smith, world U23 strongman champ.

He was there to give tips to the group - many of who who suffer from addiction or who have been made homeless.

It was a boost for the group - which has been running for around five years - and a bid to show how commitment to weights and fitness can help with mental health.

Next month some of the world's strongest men will descend on Southampton for a show of strength spectacular.

Paul said: "I think it's really important to work with people who have addictions and empower them through exercise. It gives them a place to go where they can feel a purpose and socialise - the big thing is the social aspect. It's a healthy environment and it's a good place to build healthy relationships."

Saints for Sport - part of the Saints Foundation - work with city homelessness charity Society of St James to deliver the exercise sessions. The 'inspirational gym day' was part of Saints' community work and took place at Spartans' Gym in Northam.

On June 3 some of the world's strongest men will be at St Mary's Stadium for the Strongman World Championships.

There British strength legend Terry Hollands is aiming to break the single man Bus Pull world record in Southampton’s Guildhall Square today.

The 38-year-old, a former winner of the Strongman Champions League and two-time podium winner of World’s Strongest Man, will haul one of Southern Transit’s Enviro400 ‘City Master’ double decker buses, which weighs 11,610 kg, over a 20m course.

The attempt begins at 1pm and is a prelude to Summermania – Ultimate Strongman World Championship II, refereed by Geoff Capes.

“The Bus Pull is one of the most iconic strongman events around,” Glenn Ross, five time UK’s Strongest man, said.

“The people of Southampton are in for a real treat – no ordinary man would even contemplate pulling nearly 12 tonnes of metal against the clock.”

The contest will also feature two more record attempts – the 400kg tyre flip record by Aaron Page and the 150kg dumbbell by Polish heavyweight Mateusz Kieliszkowski.