THOUSANDS of people will be able to watch England's Strongest Man contest free as the event moves outdoors.

The contest, which is in its third year, is one of the biggest shows in the competitive calendar, and will be held this weekend.

Organiser Stephen Brooks hopes that by staging the open air event in Jubilee Park, Spennymoor, County Durham, it will attract more support and could lead to national television coverage.

Mr Brooks, who has competed in strongman contests across Europe, said: "For the past two years the show has been in Spennymoor Leisure Centre, where about 700 people were able to watch the events.

"I'm hopeful that by holding it in the park a couple of thousand spectators could turn up on Saturday and Sunday.

"Representatives from BBC and Trans World International are attending to assess the show and consider covering it in future." The 37-year-old started the events when other UK contests folded and it became more difficult for British athletes to compete and gain the experience they need to progress to overseas contests.

This year, 24 contestants, who topped three regional heats for a place in the extravaganza, will compete for a £1,000 prize and the last chance to qualify for Britain's Strongest Man contest.

A new event to feature in the 2003 contest is the St George Cross carry, competitors will have to walk as far as possible carrying a 26-stone (185kg) cross.

Mr Brooks is proud of the show's success because his home town is able to host the event and believes it will be a great opportunity to put the town on the map.

He said: "The athletes, families, coaches and supporters will all be visiting Spennymoor from across the country so should bring custom to local businesses such as hotels."