THE Bolton Strongman competition has returned for the sixth year running this weekend.

Around 100 men and women from across the country have descended on the USN Bolton Arena today to showcase their amazing feats of strength.

Competitors took on a variety of eye-watering challenges including shield holds, pressing car axles, strongman shot putt, vehicle pulls and deadlifts weighing more than 250 kilos.

Novice athletes have been testing their mettle today, with the experienced competitors due to perform on Sunday.

The special guest at the extravaganza of strength and iron will is Mark Felix, an 11-time World’s Strongest Man athlete, who said: "I was here last year too and it is another really good event. I enjoy seeing all of the different things that are on during the day and that make it enjoyable for spectators to come and watch.

The Bolton News: Glenn Forrest and Kimberley Cowell at the Bolton Strongman competitionGlenn Forrest and Kimberley Cowell at the Bolton Strongman competition

STRONG: Glenn Forrest and Kimberley Cowell at the Bolton Strongman competition

"When I come to these events I get a lot of people asking me for photos and autographs and asking me how they can get started in strongman competitions too.

"For me, I was just training at a gym in Accrington one day and the owner asked me to take part in a strongman event that he was organising, just to fill out the numbers. I went there and came third, up against guys who were world class.

"I just had a natural talent for it. "

Having started on a school playground in Farnworth in 2010, the popular event has grown in stature - first moving to Bolton town centre, before making the switch to the Arena at Middlebrook last year.

Competitor Rak Tailor, aged 37, from Bolton, said: "I have been doing this for four years now, but I haven't been in many competitions.

"I started off just doing bodybuilding but I always wanted to go for the bigger weights in the gym, so I decided to try strongman.

"It makes such a difference when you are in front of a local crowd, because you get such an adrenaline boost from it."

Gareth Green, aged 35, from Harwood, added: "This is my first time at this event. I really wanted to do it a few years ago, so I'm glad I have had the chance this weekend.

"It seems to get bigger and bigger every year and it is great for the community in Bolton.

"The crowd are great and they can give you a real boost."