HALTON Show champion Steve Brookes took the title of UK's Strongest Man from last year's winner, Richard Gosling in a very close finish last week.

The gruelling contest was staged at various locations throughout Halton.

Richard's brother, Mick finished in third place.

Spellbound crowds watched as Britain's toughest contestants battled it out at Norton Priory Museum and Church Street in Runcorn and West Bank and Victoria Park in Widnes.

Colin Ward, director of competition organisers Live Promotions, said: "The venues were brilliant and Halton should be proud that it can host an event of this nature."

Ian Bisset, Halton Council's tourism and promotions manager, said: "This is a magnificent event which we've been lucky enough to host for two years.

"It has raised Halton's profile among a major national and international TV audience and this is good for the borough."

The event will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Saturday, September 29, Sky Sports 3 on Sunday, September 30, Sky Sports 1 on Monday, October 1 and Sky Sports on Christmas Day.