IT may not be one of the most famous sporting events on the planet, but Daniel Wright will still be aiming to become a world champion today.

The York coalman is hoping to build on an unexpected good performance in last year's World Coal Carrying Championships by landing the overall title this time around.

Mr Wright, 23, of New Earswick, works for the family coal business of J H Wright and Son, which is based at Gate Helmsley, near York.

He took part in last year's event, which was televised on Channel 4's Transworld Sport programme, and finished sixth out of 30 competitors.

That feat was achieved without undergoing any special training. But this year he is confident of glory in today's showdown, which takes place at Ossett, near Leeds.

Mr Wright, who also boxes and plays rugby for Heworth, said: "This time I've done lots of hill runs with an eight-stone sack up the hills of Garrowby, and I feel confident I will win."