Epic power struggle pulls in nation's strongest men

Up to 30 competitors will gather to do battle for the title of Preston’s Strongest Man.

Reigning champion Greg Dunnings has relinquished his crown after stepping down to organise the competition.

The former soldier, who was badly injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, will bring together some of the counntry’s powerhouses for a six-hour contest which should draw a big crowd to the city’s Flag Market (10am-4pm).

“I’m not competing this year, so I’ll be handing over my title,” said Greg who almost lost a leg in the blast in 2009. “It promises to be a fantastic day and a great spectacle. I hope people will turn out to support us and cheer the lads on.”

Greg won the inaugural Preston Strongest Man title last July, even though he was also the organiser. This year he has decided to concentrate on running the event.

The contest is in aid of the veterans’ charity Bike Tours For The Wounded which raises cash to take injured servicemen and women on motorbike trips along the famous Route 66 in the United States.

Greg, who served with the Coldstream Guards, began entering strongman competitions with increasing success after he left the Forces.

“There are a couple of ex-servicemen competing on Saturday and a few more are coming along to help out,” he said. “Events like this are getting bigger and bigger.

“We have two categories – novice for those just starting out in competition and open for the really strong lads who have a lot more experience.”

Events will include a 12-ton truck pull, dead-lifting a Mini Cooper car and a sandbag loading race.