Pulling more than 12 tons of canal barge, heaving ten 75-kilo sandbags into a railway truck -just two of the spectacular events in which eight of the strongest men in the land battle it out in a competition of strength, endurance and character. Introduced from the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Telford, Shropshire, by John Craven with expert comments from the World's Strongest Man, Geoff Capes.

The competitors:
From Whitechapel, London Steve Zetolofsky - 20 stone. The Cockney Commonwealth and British Powerlifting record holder - known as 'Talka-lotsky'...!

From Coleraine, N Ireland Allan Crossley - 21 stone. Former British light-heavy and heavyweight Arm Wrestling Champion.

From Hamilton, Scotland Ray Nobile - 16 1/2 stone. A fireman, and 1983 British heavyweight Powerlifting Champion.

From Plumstead, London Peter Tancred 17 1/2 stone. The former Olympic discus thrower and PE and English teacher.

From Port Talbot, Wales Mike Brown -18'/2 stone. A steel worker, former Commonwealth bronze medallist, Olympic lifter, and Neath rugby player.

From Holbeach, Lincs Simon Taylor - 18 stone. A horticulturlist and, at 19, the Northern Junior Hammer Champion is the youngest competitor.

From Edinburgh Jack Hynd 18 stone. Elder statesman of the competition at an incredible 42 - last year's runner-up.

From Tottenham, London Peter Welch - 20 stone. Great family man - this popular body builder and powerlifter hopes it will be 'third time lucky'.

Produced in association with TRANS WORLD INTERNATIONAL
Engineering managers BRIAN HILL , JIM CLELAND
Videotape editor PETER BIRD
Director BOB WILD
Television presentation SIMON BETTS
Feature: page 76