BRITAIN’S strongest men met Colchester’s military heroes to promote an anticipated festival of brawn.

Hercules Olympia will feature a weekend of adrenaline packed events and superhuman feats, including a world record attempt for the biggest ever dead lift.

Britain’s Strongest Man, Miss Aphrodite, Shaolin martial arts and much more are planned for the events at Crowne Plaza Resort, Tolleshunt Knights, on May 26 and 27.

Jay Hughes and Britain’s reigning number one strongman athlete, Terry Holland, will be battling each other for a shot at the British Championship.

They attended Merville Barracks to meet members of Colchester 2 Para on Monday.

Co-organiser Gordon Evans, of Hercules Gym, said: “There guys are heroes. We support them all year round."

Full story and pictures in the Gazette.