POWERHOUSE Robert Chapman has been named Wisbech s strongest man. The 36-year-old civil engineer from Murrow won the third annual Ironworks Gym Strongman Competition. It was the first time he has entered an event of this type. Thirty competitors battled i

POWERHOUSE Robert Chapman has been named Wisbech's strongest man.

The 36-year-old civil engineer from Murrow won the third annual Ironworks Gym Strongman Competition.

It was the first time he has entered an event of this type.

Thirty competitors battled it out over seven events, including incline bench, run and drag, hold, rolling thunder, dips, hack squat and leg press.

Mr Chapman won five events to take the title comfortably.

He said: "I didn't know what to expect and I'm really surprised to have won.

"I had a great laugh and I'm chuffed.

"It's been suggested that I go on to compete in the World Powerlifting Championships. I don't think I'm at that standard yet but I'll look into it.

"It costs a lot of money to do this. Our food bill for two adults and two children is between �160 and �200 per week!"

Mr Chapman's girlfriend Sofia Gentile, 27, from Wisbech, who he met in the gym, was second in the ladies' category which was won by Lorna Robinson.

In the men's section James Phoenix and Nick Okerika were joint second and Matt Vinn was third.

The under-18s category saw Josh Hyde came out on top with Paisley Kinghorne second and David Clarke third.

Organiser Martin Green, who owns Ironworks Gym, said: "It was a brilliant event. The standard was very high and we had more than 100 spectators cheering people on.

"I can't wait for next year's event.