DOZENS of spectators enjoyed the spectacle of some of the strongest men in the region pitting their might against each other at the weekend.

The clear winner of the North-East Strongman of the Year competition, held in Stanley, County Durham, was Scarborough policeman Mel Kay.

Second and third were Simon Morton, of Haltwhistle, and Mick Morrison, of Whitley Bay.

Included in a range of tests of strength were a log lift, wheel flip and back-to-back tug-of-war.

Organiser Bobby Daglish said: "There was quite a bit of rivalry between the competitors from North Yorkshire and those from the North-East.

"Although we did not have as many spectators as we would have hoped - with the event being held close to Christmas - it was a successful event, with an excellent atmosphere."

Mr Daglish said he had decided to hold next year's event in the Stanley Youth Centre again, and was hoping to attract sponsors for the trophies