Strongman games title 'would be dream come true'

Andrew Reid hopes to make it into the top 10 of his category

A mental health nurse has his eyes set on a world strongman title after qualifying for the international games.

Andrew Reid, from Middlesbrough, is set to travel to Arlington, Texas, for the Official Strongman Games in November.

The 40-year-old said he watched the World's Strongest Man every Christmas with his dad and began his strongman journey 14 years ago when he started going to the gym.

Mr Reid, who landed a place in the Masters World Strongest Man, a category for competitors aged over 40, said it would "be a dream come true" to place in the top 10.

Events include a deadlift, a frame carry, a log press and a sandbag loading event.

Mr Reid said: "At the moment I am focused on training hard enough that I am competitive with the others.

"It would be a dream come true to place in the top 10, it would be amazing."

The top 10 competitors compete in two final events on the third day of the livestreamed tournament - giant dumbbells and stone loading.

Mr Reid does strength training four times a week and he currently does 280kg (617lbs) deadlifts and 125kg (275lbs) overhead press.

He trains at different locations around Teesside including Steel City Gym in Middlesbrough and Northern Strength and Performance in Hartlepool.

The Official Strongman Games is held between 20 and 23 November.