RECORDS were broken as a startling display of strength took place on the Llyn Peninsula over bank holiday weekend.

The famous Criccieth Stone of Strength, a boulder weighing over 175kg, was lifted to shoulder height for the first time ever on Saturday, 27 May.

The seventh annual stone lifting challenge, a modern adaption of an old tradition, was a success last week, drawing crowds and competitors from all over the country.

The event took place outside the Criccieth Memorial Hall, where the stone was rediscovered several years ago, and raised money in memory of local residents who fought and perished in the World Wars.

This year Wales’ strongest man Mark Jeanes, from south Wales, delighted the crowds at the hall when after several level two lifts (to the chest) on his final attempt went on to successfully lift the enormous boulder to his shoulder (level three lift).

He is the only person so far to ever lift the Stone of strength to his shoulder and he suggests it rates as one of his “best achievements to date”.

His training partner Calum, who also managed an impressive lift to his lap, was there to share in his glory.

There were many successful level one lifts (getting the stone off the floor) completed by other competitors, many of them local.

Reuben Hughs once again achieved several level one lifts, as did 51-year-old Dafydd Jones, the competition’s oldest competitor from Blaenau Ffestiniog.

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday