A MAN from Lancing, West Sussex, has reached seventh place in the UK’s Strongest Man competition.

Andrew Flynn, 29, said he has been hooked on professional competitions in this field since 2015 but this is the highest that he has ever placed in the national contest.

The Southern Rail worker said: “I finished seventh which is the best I’ve ever done. It’s given me the hope that I can go all the way and now I’m setting my sights on finishing top three!”

Mr Flynn, has worked at Southern for eight years and “acts as a bit of a PT to his colleagues” offering advice on equipment and exercises.

The father of two formerly played professional rugby for Worthing but found he could not commit to the time investment.

His local gym had equipment for Worthing's own Strongest Man competition which led Mr Flynn to begin training and realise he had a talent for extreme weight lifting.

The Argus: Flynn formerly played rugby for Worthing and now works at Southern Rail

He entered his first contest in 2015 and won, he then continued to make his way through regional heats and has now competed in the UK Strongest Man three times.

The competition, which took place in May earlier this year, includes events such as a 8,500 kg truck push, a carry and drag medley, and a brick lift.

The winner of the national competition was reigning champion Gavin Bilton, from Caerphilly, Wales.