Colchester’s strongmen came to the fore as dozens of weightlifters vied for prizes in a host of different disciplines.

Alan Elvin organised the competition which was staged at Old Heath Recreational Ground in Colchester which drew both crowds and competitors.

Gazette: Arms aloft – the lifts allowed competitors to show off their physiqueArms aloft – the lifts allowed competitors to show off their physique

It was the first time Mr Elvin, 37, had organised the competition, and he admitted it could not have gone much better.

He now hopes to hold weightlifting meets more regularly in Colchester in an attempt to make the activity more prominent in north Essex.

Gazette: Face of focus – weights of the deadlifts were well in excess in 100kgFace of focus – weights of the deadlifts were well in excess in 100kg

He said: “This is the first time it has been run and it was my first time hosting the competitiom. It was my maiden voyage, so to speak, but it turned into something quite brilliant.”

Mr Elvon, who lives in Peache Road, Colchester, added he plans for the proceeds of future events to go to charities, specifically, MacMillan Cancer Support and the Sick Children’s Trust.

Gazette: Trophy men – winners received replica weightlifters as their prizesTrophy men – winners received replica weightlifters as their prizes

“My main goal is to publicly start collection for charities,” Mr Elvin said.

“I left it too late for this competition, otherwise I would have done it this time around, but these charities have helped us so much over the past few years.”

Mr Elvin and his wife have a son, Stanley, who was born after just 26 weeks – and over the years, they have received huge support from charities which they are now trying to repay.

Gazette: Hands full – the keg carry looked particularly challengingHands full – the keg carry looked particularly challenging

“Stanley was 2lbs and one ounce [when he was born] – the charities have been a huge help for us.”

There were 26 different lifts for weightlifters to attempt at the competition, involving powerlifts, heavy implement lifts, overhead press.

Gazette: Face of a champion – the competition was fierce as the weightlifters pushed themselves to the limitFace of a champion – the competition was fierce as the weightlifters pushed themselves to the limit

Mr Elvin himself competes nationally in the Under-90k category for strongmen, and is hopeful that his events company, Red Squirrel Events, will be able to put more competitions like this together.

“I’ve got another competition set up on Saturday, July 16, which is going to be bigger and better,” he said.