IT’S a battle of the brawn usually associated with those on the heftier side.

But a competition being launched in Huddersfield aims to prove that men of all builds can have hidden strength.

The contest to find Kirklees’ Strongest Man is to be staged at Holmfirth High School on July 28 and 29.

It is unique as it features categories for men of more average builds as well as the larger lads.

The competition was the brainchild of Lee Jones who has already held a successful hunt for the Strongest Man in Calderdale.

The 26-year-old came up with the idea to hold an event to include five different weight categories when he was removing bathroom fittings.

He said: “I actually had a eureka moment when I was taking out a toilet and thought that it was as heavy as an Atlas stone.

“I thought there was space in the market for something like that, a fun day that everyone could get involved with.”

Gym fan Lee, from Holmfield in Halifax, talked over the idea with his partner, Laura Galley, who also loved the thought of a spin on the traditional contest.

And so did locals as the first contest at Hipperholme Grammar School attracted 30 competitors and more than 800 spectators during the two-day run.

Ten stone Lee even took part in the event himself, bagging third place in his 10 to 12 stone category.

Other categories are 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18 and 18-plus stones and competitors show their strength in displays including the farmers’ walk, truck pull, the overhead press and the car deadlift.

Lee said: “When you think of a strong man you think of the 20 stoners and they do put on an eye-catching display.

“But some lads for their size are really strong and in the Calderdale competition we had everyone from painters and decorators to personal trainers and ages from 18 to 49 taking part.

“The idea is that everyone can get involved. Everyone is on the same playing field because each category has different weights.