WHEN Eddie Ellwood lifted the title of England's Strongest Man yesterday it was a fitting birthday present.

The 39-year-old, from Hartlepool, celebrated his big day in style by beating off competition in the battle of the giants in Spennymoor at the weekend.

Hundreds of people were in the town's Jubilee Park to watch 24 musclemen lift cars and barrels, among other challenges.

It is the third year that the contest, which was supported by Spennymoor Town Council, has been held in the town, but it was the first time the competition had been held in Jubilee Park.

Organiser Stephen Brooks, from Spennymoor, is a former Great Britain champion strongman.

He said: "It has been a brilliant weekend. The best ever for crowds. We have also had a lot of sponsors and I would like to thank them all for their support and hopefully we can come back again next year."

Spennymoor Town Mayor Ross Hawkes presented the trophies.

He said: "It has been a very successful event and I hope it will go ahead again next year. I would like to thank Stephen Brooks for organising it.''

For Eddie it is the first step in his bid for the title of Strongest Man in Great Britain.