THOUSANDS of people will be able to watch England's Strongest Man contest free as this year's event moves outdoors.

The event, which in only its third year is one of the biggest shows in the competitive calendar, will be held in a town park this weekend.

Organiser Stephen Brooks hopes that by staging the open air event in Spennymoor's Jubilee Park, it will attract more support and could lead to national television coverage.

Mr Brooks, who has himself competed in strongman contests across Europe, said: "For the past two years the show has been in Spennymoor Leisure Centre, about 700 people were able to watch the events.

"I'm hopeful that by holding it in the park a couple of thousand spectators could turn up on Saturday and Sunday, because they can watch any of the seven lifts they want and don't have to pay.

"Representatives from BBC and Trans World International are attending to assess the show and consider covering it in future."

The 37-year-old started the events when other UK contests folded and it became more difficult for British athletes to compete and gain the experience they need to progress to overseas contests.

This year 24 man mountains, who topped three regional heats for a place in the extravaganza, will compete for a £1,000 prize and the last chance to qualify for Britain's Strongest Man contest.

A new event to feature in the 2003 contest is the St George Cross carry when competitors will have to walk as far as possible carrying a 26 stone (185kg) cross.

Having the extra space of an outdoor arena enables Mr Brooks to add a people carrier dead lift and truck pull event to the contest.

Mr Brooks is especially proud of the show's success because his home town is able to host the event and believes it will be a great opportunity to put the town on the map.

"The athletes, families, coaches and supporters will all be visiting Spennymoor from across the country so should bring custom to local businesses such as hotels.

"I'm pleased to help them indirectly because many have been very supportive, offering sponsorship, as have the town council.

"The interest it generates gives a really good impression of the town and obviously if it was shown on TV in the future this would be a great bonus to the area."