A STRONGMAN event aimed at Cumbria's novices is set to kick off a series of Cumbrian strength shows. 

Cumbria's Strongest Novice is set to take place at Whitehaven RLFC on Saturday, May 4. 

The novice competition is set to feature an 18-inch deadlift and log lift as well as a medley event which will see competitors carry three heavy items, carry a 100kg shield, and throw stones that also feature in Cumbria's Strongest Man.

The event is being organised by former boxing promoter Dave Straughton who, speaking ahead of the Cumbrian strength event of the year, expressed his desire to make the sport more accessible. 

He said: "Strongman is a massive growth sport at the minute and a lot of people are getting into the sport.

"Cumbria's Strongest Man has got a really high standard and there are some really strong lads and that is a thing that sometimes puts people off entering it.

"We thought a novice show was a brilliant idea to give people a chance to get started somewhere." 

Cumbria's Strongest Novice is also set to be accompanied by the Log and 18-inch Deadlift Championship, with these events kicking off 'The Cumberland Strongman Super Series'.

This series includes the headline Cumbria's Strongest Man event which will take place in July and the King of the Styans which will take place in Honister in September, with both event attracting local, national, and international interest.

"I am really excited because Cumbria's Strongest Man has been going so well. We have sold it out over the past two years," Dave said.

"For King of the Styans in September at Honister, I have got lads coming from all over the world for that.

"I have got lads from Canada, America, and Finland so I am excited for the whole thing.