MUSCLEMEN from across the country will be throwing their weight around in Halton as the UK's Strongest Man competition returns to the borough for the second year running.

Next week's event follows the success of last year's competition which drew huge crowds to witness displays of strength. The show was broadcast by Sky TV on Christmas Day.

Host Geoff Capes, former World Strongest Man title holder, has chosen locations on both sides of the Mersey and promises entertainment for all the family on September 15 in Runcorn and September 16 in Widnes.

Sky Sports will screen the event on September 29 and 30 and October 1, with further shows over Christmas.

The gruelling programme of challenges includes a cannonball throw, barrel race, 4x4 pull, stone-lifting, a Mini push and truck pull.

Admission at both venues is free and there will also be children's rides, circus acts and music in Church Street, Runcorn, on the Saturday and Victoria Park, Widnes, on the Sunday.

Cllr Rob Polhill, the council's executive board member with responsibility for tourism, said: 'I am delighted that the competition is back in Halton and look forward to seeing big crowds turn out and enjoying themselves as much as they did last time.

'Last year's event was a great success, giving us the opportunity to put some of Halton's superb locations on the map and giving local people an excellent weekend's entertainment.'

The fun kicks-off at Halton Castle ruins, Runcorn on Saturday and Victoria Park, Widnes on Sunday.

Drivers are warned that Church Street in Runcorn will be closed between Kwik Save and Regent Street from 10am on September 15 to 6pm on September 16 with parking restrictions from 8am. This is to enable the competition to take place safely on the Saturday and for road re-surfacing work to be carried out on the Sunday. Traffic will be diverted using High Street, Bridge Street/Water Street, Waterloo Road and Mersey Road.