A SUPPORT worker will be back in Chard flexing his muscles next month.

Gary Clarke is bringing Britain's Disabled Strongman competition to Holyrood Academy over two days.

And Gary, who founded the tournament back in 2015, is promising the event on Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31 will be bigger and better than ever.

He has rounded up a number of local sponsors and got the charity United Response involved to enable the contest to return to the town.

Gary, aged 45, has been powerlifting since he was a teenager.

He has previously competed at several international tournaments, including the World’s Strongest Disabled Man.

Since launching the British tournament, Gary has seen it grow year-on-year and says audiences can expect "a great showcase of strength".

He said: "It’s a testament to what these athletes do – they’re phenomenal.

"It just goes to show that despite having a disability or any kind of impairment, you can go forward and excel in life.

He added: "I want to say a massive thank you to United Response for getting involved.

"Together with our local sponsors, your support helps me to put this competition on, giving the athletes the platform they deserve."

Rhe competition will feature disabled men and women from across the country who come together to test their strength, competing in multiple weightlifting challenges over the two days.

This year’s athletes will take on the deadlift, dumbbell press, axle press, atlas stones and sled pull.

The competition was held at Holyrood Academy for the first time last year.

Previously it had been staged at The Guildhall, in Chard, and attracts more than 500 spectators.

Gary has been a support worker with United Response based in Ilminster since 2011.

He says his own experiences have enabled him to have a strong bond with people he supports.

"With cerebral palsy, you never quite know what kind of day you’re going to have," said Gary.

"I feel like I can relate to a lot of what some of the people we support go through due to my own disability.

"My parents had to fight a lot for me when I was growing up to get me to where I am now.

You can buy tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/britains-disabled-strongman-2022-tickets-341761085607