They came, they saw - but only one of them conquered.

The contest to find the World's Strongest Man started this weekend in Maldon.

Hundreds of people arrived at the town's promenade park on Sunday afternoon to witness the region's most burly blokes take part in an almost impossible task to win through to the national finals.

These included throwing huge sacks of potatoes more than 30 feet into the air and attempting to pull a truck across a 20-metre course.

There was one snag. The first three competitors in the truck-pulling event failed to move it one centimetre - so the organisers swapped it for a jeep with a sack of sand trailing behind.

The event was hosted by Geoff Capes - twice winner of the world title. The winner in the Maldon heat was Graham Mullins, who will represent the Home Counties in the finals, which take place in September.

Second place was Carl Broomfield with Paul Banks third. Maldon District Council chairman Roy Pipe said it had been a great day for everyone.

"I thank the organisers for bringing the World's Strongest Man to Maldon. We have tried to bring more entertainment each weekend and hope that more locals and visitors will continue to come to enjoy the Promenade Park."

The event is due to be screened on Sky television.

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