MR Universe joined the Euro debate by symbolically squashing it as part of Save the Pound Day.
Eddie Elwood, three times holder of the title, was among the guests at Hartlepool's Grand Hotel for the Teesside campaign.
Organised by Gus Robinson, the Conservatives' prospective parliamentary candidate for Hartlepool, the event was aimed at drawing local people's attention to the debate.
Mr Robinson said: "The purpose was to save the pound and highlight its importance to our national integrity and security. If we join the Euro, there will be a European army and our most senior military leaders are terrified of this.
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