SOME of the world strongest men will be muscling in to Pocklington in a couple of weeks' time.

Former 'World's Strongest Man' competitor Rob Dixon is staging 'Samson's Giants' in which competitors face five heavyweight tasks.

New Zealander Levi Veogo, who weighs in at 27 stone, will be among the pre-competition favourites along with Swede Benny Wennberg and Ulster's Francis Kirby.

Providing North Yorkshire interest will be Askham Bryan farmer Mark Westerby and Harrogate's Darren Sadler.

Barnsley powerlifter 'Stumpy' Raines, a former Mr Universe, who weighs in at 19 stones, is expected to bring several fans with him.

Dixon, who lives in Pocklington, has devised the strongman tasks for the competitors which starts with a head-to-head JCB push.

The event is being held near Pocklington Town FC at The Balk on Sunday, June 15 and starts at 10.30am.

A similar event promoted by Dixon in Pocklington last year attracted 2,000 spectators.

The 38-year-old took part in last year's competition which doubled as a team event which he and Harrogate's Dave Warner won to qualify for the European Team Strongman Championships.

Dixon, who achieved celebrity status after his muscleman appearances on television, won't be competing in his hometown event this year.

He said: "I'm not competing this year. I thought I'd have a break and see what some of the others can do.

"It's a good line-up and I reckon it will attract a big crowd."

Updated: 12:00 Friday, May 30, 2003