GIANT tyre-dragging, car lifting and the pillars of Hercules – all the signs that the Sharpness Strongest Man and Woman competition has returned.

The muscles of eight men and six women will be tested to breaking point on Sunday, May 25 as they undertake a number of gruelling challenges to win the title.

Four-time champion and event organiser Andy Harvey, 37, from Oldminster Road in Sharpness is not taking part in the feats this year but hopes to better last year’s turnout of just under 1,000 people.

“It’s a great event and it seems to just get bigger and better every year. It’s definitely for one for everyone’s calendar. There’s a great feeling to it,” he said.

“The training has gone very well, everyone is giving 110 per cent. It should be a great competition.

“We are having a lot of local businesses contributing, including banners and signs, and we have had Sharpness Docks helping us out."

Fighting to keep her title as Sharpness’ Strongest Woman is 27-year-old Hannah Paterson who is a PE teacher from Oakfield Way in Sharpness.

The muscle-bursting feats will include giant tyre dragging, car lifting and the “pillars of Hercules” where competitors hold on to two pillars weighed down for as long as possible.

They will also take part in a loading race, involving sandbags or concrete filled containers being carried and hoisted onto platforms.

As well as the feats, there will be live music from Wotton-under-Edge band Broken Wing, a merry-go-round for the children as well as face-painting and a bouncy castle.

Money raised will be split between the Sharpness Swimming Pool and a local Children's Christmas party in Sharpness.

The event runs from 10am to 5pm outside the Pier View Hotel and is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Oldminster Road will be closed for the day but visitors can use the road for access to the car park.