Arm wrestlers' title bid begins

About 800 competitors are expected to take part

Competitors are gathering strength in Manchester for the first World Arm Wrestling Championships to be held in the UK.

The Trafford Centre is expecting 800 arm wrestlers from across the world over the four-day contest.

The XXVIII WAF World Arm wrestling Championships is a knock-out contest with 26 different weight categories.

Captain of the British team is Neil Pickup from Blackburn, Lancashire, a former World Middleweight Champion.

Mr Pickup said: "I have been lucky enough to enjoy the highest level of success in a sport which I love.

"I can't wait to see our best athletes delivering their biggest hits and most lethal techniques in Manchester.

"Arm wrestling as a sport has developed tremendously over the last decade."

The Trafford Centre has hosted arm wrestling contests before, but on a smaller scale.

Previous venues for the championships have included Egypt and South Africa.