AN Alcester gym is holding a competition to find the area’s strongest man and strongest woman, all in the name of charity.

Strong Arms Gym on the Arden Forest Industrial Estate is hosting the competition from Monday, August 19, organising a week of fitness events before a grand final on Saturday, August 24.

Competitors will pay a £2 entry fee to join the contest, which will donated to the Shakespeare Hospice.

Gym owners Paul Armstrong and Tom Gold are also inviting people to come and try out the gym over the bank holiday week on a pay-as-you-go basis, with 20 per cent of the fees collected also going to the hospice.

Mr Armstrong said: “The fitness competition is open to everybody. There will be heats during the week comprising a range of supervised strength and endurance tests with the five best performing men and women invited back for their respective finals on the Saturday. We hope it will become an annual competition.”

Sarah Davies, head of fundraising and communications at the Shakespeare Hospice, added: “We are so delighted to have the support of Strong Arms Gym over the bank holiday weekend. The Shakespeare Hospice depends on the support of the community to raise much needed funds to help us provide care locally, and we love to see supporters coming up with their own fundraising ideas. Thank you to Paul, Tom and all the gym members and guests for their support.”

For more information on the competition and taking part call 01789 768684.