A MUSCLEMAN has overcome an arm injury to set one of the toughest world records there is.

Kevin Jefferson, 39, of Eastfields, Stanley, has smashed the record for the number of press-ups completed on the back of his hands in one minute.

The previous record stood at 70, but Mr Jefferson managed 87 in front of hundreds of spectators at Barnard Castle Truck Show.

"I nearly pulled out because I injured myself at work just before the challenge and had to have 15 stitches in my arm," he said.

"I didn't want to let anybody down so I had a go. I surprised myself, really - I was over the moon."

Mr Jefferson, who does around 1,200 press-ups a day, first tried the back-handed method after reading about martial arts legend Bruce Lee.

He said this record-breaking attempt could be his last.

"I am 40 years old in a couple of weeks' time, so I don't think I will try any more," he said.