BODYbuilder Eddie Ellwood is celebrating after winning the regional heat of the Britain's Strongest Man competition.

Mr Ellwood, from Hartlepool, was one of 16 contestants who took part in the event, at the Louisa Centre, in Stanley, County Durham.

The 38-year-old, who owns a gym, will take part in the finals where he hopes to progress into the international competition.

He has won the Mr Universe competition five times but switched to the strongman scene about a year ago.

He said: "It was hard making the transition at first, but it is a new challenge for me.''

The event also featured a strongest woman competition in which six contenders tested their strength with feats such as tugging a Jeep and flipping a tyre.

Marian Nobile, of Scotland, emerged as the winner. She plans to challenge for the European and world titles.

The event was sponsored by the Asda supermarket, in Stanley. Spokeswoman Joyce Porter said it had proved a great success.

"It was absolutely fantastic and Eddie Ellwood raced away with it," she said.

"The competition attracted a crowd of about 500 people. A lot bought tickets on the night. It was packed, it was brilliant."