Strongman on the pull for charity

A fitness trainer has pulled a fully-laden 10-ton fire truck across Birmingham's Centenary Square in the name of charity.

At just over 15 stones, Rob Blakeman is believed to be the lightest strongman ever to pull a fire engine in the UK.

Mr Blakeman, 37, who runs a chain of fitness centres in the city, is trying to raise £10,000 for children with special needs.

His test of strength began at 1100 BST on Thursday.

All the money raised will be used to convert a run-down garden in Walsall into a special outdoor play area with wheelchair access.

Mr Blakeman said: "Whilst I'm always in shape, I've never attempted anything like this before and I'm nowhere near the weight of the strongmen that usually perform these feats."