HE is officially England's Strongest Man, but Eddie Ellwood knows when to quit while he's ahead.

The 41-year-old took the title this weekend for the third year in a row, at this year's contest which was held in Hartlepool for the first time.

Mr Ellwood beat off competition from 17 other hopefuls, many half his age, at the event, which took place in the town's marina.

However, he said he would be calling it a day on his strongman career at the end of this year.

Eddie, who was crowned Mr Universe from 1997 to 2000 and who now runs his own gym in Hartlepool, said: "I've enjoyed doing this enormously, but I've come to the realisation now that if I don't quit, then something in my body will eventually have to give - I'm not getting any younger."

More than 1,000 people turned out last weekend to watch the strongmen compete in six events, including the log lift, the dead lift, and a 10-tonne truck pull.

Eddie, who also helped organise the two-day event, won a trophy and £500 for his efforts