COMPETITORS from across the world faced each other in a show of strength as Minehead hosted the 2011 European Outdoor Tug-of-War Championships.

The four-day event at the town's Butlins holiday centre got underway last Thursday and attracted crowds of enthusiasts.

More than 85 clubs put forward teams to compete in different weight categories.

And with rivals travelling from as far as the Ukraine and South Africa, the England squad notched up a gold and three bronze medals to add to their tally.

Over the years England has accrued a total of 37 world championship and 24 European championship gold medals.

In this year's men's 640 kilos weight class, England was represented by Felton Eccles from Somerset, while in the junior under 19s 560 kilos category, a team from the Somerset Army Cadets represented the country, finishing in sixth place.

Event spokesman Alan Knott said it was the third time the championships had come to Minehead but the first time at Butlins.

"It went pretty well and there was a really good mix of competitors and spectators," he said.

"England did well and we were really pleased with how everything went - it was brilliant."  

Results

In gold, silver, bronze order. Men: 560 kilos - England, Sweden, Switzerland. 640 kilos - Switzerland, Netherlands, England. 680 kilos - Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland. Men 720 kilos - Netherlands, Sweden, England.

Ladies: 560 kilos -Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland. 520 kilos - Sweden, Netherlands, England. 

Under 23 Championship: 600 kilos -Switzerland, Germany, South Africa - 4th. World Junior Champtionship (under 19) 560 kilos - Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa.