HIS left arm is barely capable of shaking your hand, but beware, because Peter Burnell's right easily makes up for it.

The 35-year-old recently returned from the British Arm Wrestling Federation Championships with a national title - testament to his determination to rise above a crippling condition that affects the left side of his body.

He suffers from cerebral palsy, which means his left arm is effectively useless, but he brushed that aside to claim the lightweight title at the championships, held at Brimingham's NEC last week.

Despite only starting to compete in the sport last December, Mr Burnell quickly took on board advice from fellow competitors and soon beat them at their own game.

Mr Burnell, of Thornaby, Teesside, said: "I have very little use of my left arm, so I could never compete in able-bodied sports.

"However, after I saw something on the internet about the event, I thought I would have a decent chance because my right arm, to compensate, is so well-developed."

Mr Burnell said despite the sport's tough bar room image, he found other competitors only too willing to help.

"Although it is a competitive sport, if you sit at a table with somebody more experienced they will give you the tricks of the trade," he said.

"I was surprised how much you can get away with. You are allowed to hook your leg round the table for instance, but I didn't do that. I thought it was cheating."

Mr Burnell is looking for sponsorship to help him to compete on the international stage.