SOME of the most powerful arms in the country gathered in Leigh this weekend to lend a helping hand to a new sensory farm.

The 'Farm Wars' contest was held on Saturday at Hope View Sensory Farm, in Marsland Green Lane, which has been set up to provide enjoyable days out for patients suffering from Alzheimer's and other mental health conditions.

Farm owner Christine Dickenson, a former British number two arm wrestler, was thrilled with the turnout for the fundraiser, which raised an incredible £5,500.

The 50-year-old, whose husband Keith was once ranked eighth in the world, said: "I used to be a mental health nurse, and I decided that I wanted to set up a sensory farm for people suffering from Alzheimer's and various other conditions.

"The idea is that they can come here and enjoy a bit of time with the animals, and just have a bit of peace and quiet.

"We wanted to arrange an open day to help us fund some new disabled toilets, but we didn't really expect it to take off like it has.

"We have done so well to get this together, and the number of people who have come down is really fantastic."

Her brother-in-law Stan, aged 56, offered to arrange the contest with fellow members of the Leigh Pulling Power club, but soon saw interest in the event sky-rocket.

Competitors travelled from as far away as Sweden to get in on the action, and Stan eventually had enough participants for around 30 matches.

He said: "It started out as just a little idea to get some money together for Christine and Keith's project here at the farm.

"I thought it would be a good fundraiser to get a few arm wrestlers down for the day, but once I put the word out there it took off like I never thought it would.

"Getting the farm off the ground is a really great cause and it's fantastic that so many of us have come out to help."