NORTH-East weightlifters have qualified for national strongman finals at a first competition to be held in a County Durham town.

The North of England qualifiers for the England’s Strongest Man competition were held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre this afternoon (Sunday, May 26).

The eventual winners of the England’s Strongest man contest will be entered into the Arnold’s Classic, which is the largest strongman contest outside of the Olympics run by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bob Daglish of Elite Strongman Promotions said the Spennymoor event proved to be a good contest but he was disappointed by a low turn-out of spectators.

He said: “We had 125 people in a 500-seater venue, it would have been good to have more spectators.

“Those that did come though were good and stayed right until the end.

“This is an entertaining sport and they seemed to enjoy it.”

Allen McGee from Spennymoor was the surprise package finishing fifth in the Opens contest and thus qualifying for the England finals.

Despite suffering a bank injury in the first round, Darlington’s Mark Lawson managed to finish third and will also take part in the national finals.

Mike Thom from Gateshead was second behind Newcastle’s Tom Shaw.

The competitors had to complete a number of weightlifting challenges including flipping a 350kg tire eight times, barrel carrying and a log lift.

The events were sponsored by Consett gym Spartan Performance and JP Fitness from Spennymoor. 

A competition for the Under 90kgs was also held.