STRONG men - and women - will be getting the hump this weekend as the 27th annual Scarborough Coal Hump gets under way.

Contestants from the York area will be welcomed once again to the charity event, which involves hauling a sack of coal along the three-and-a-half mile course, starting and finishing at the Lifeboat House.

Event chairman Bob Heaps said there were plenty of categories to enter, including solo, pairs, team, children's and even a half sack event for more petite participants.

"In previous years we have enjoyed a lot of interest and I'm sure that a lot of people will want to take part in a fun and challenging event, and at the same time help some very worthwhile children's charities in the area," he said.

The annual coal hump will take place on Sunday from 10.30am.

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, September 28, 2002