STRONG arm tactics turned a corner of Pocklington into the land of the giants.

Around 2,000 spectators turned up to see eight muscle-men compete in the Samson's Giants event at the town's football ground.

Barnsley's Andrew 'Stumpy' Raines claimed the title and at 5ft 6ins tall the mighty atom proved size is no barrier.

A former World's Strongest Man contestant, Raines, who weighs in at almost 20 stone, is a former Mr Universe and power-lifting champion.

Harrogate's Darren Sadler claimed second position, while farmer Mark Westaby, from Heelaugh, near Tadcaster, finished in third place.

The competition attracted an international presence too, with Sweden's Larrs Frank finishing sixth.

"It was a fantastic day and the competition was really intense," said the event's organiser, Rob Dixon, himself a former World's Strongest Man competitor.

"I asked the crowd if we should do it again and they all cheered so it looks like we'll be doing it again next year," added Dixon, who owns the Samson and Delilah gyms in Haxby and Pocklington.

"It's really gathering momentum and I'd like to take it nation-wide eventually, but I'll think we'll just concentrate on Pocklington for the time being."

Updated: 11:35 Wednesday, June 18, 2003