Mental strength is just as important as muscle power, according to a man preparing to pull a passenger jet.
Professional strongman Mark Crookes, who moved to Colchester from Dubai earlier in the year, is training to claim a world record by pulling a Boeing 777.
The 42-year-old said that meditation is just as important as pumping iron.
"When I'm going for a record I meditate because I find it helps me concentrate and brings my heart rate down," he said.
"The world record is measured by the plane's weight, and I already hold it for pulling a 162 tonne Boeing 747. I don't know how much heavier a 777 is, and I try not to think about it.
"There's a pilot onboard to operate the brakes, but I'm not bothered how heavy he is - it's not going to make much difference!"
To claim the record he has to pull the plane 30.5m, but aims to go 34m "just to make sure".
Mark trains at Hercules Gym on Colne Bank Avenue, and practices by pulling trucks.
The record attempt takes place at Cambridge airport on September 29.
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