THE hills were due to be alive to the sound of grunt and strain today as Midshires Strongest Man competition began on the Three Counties showground.

Eighteen mightily muscled athletes were set to pull lorries, lift logs and turn over huge tractor tyres as one of the highlights of Malvern's two-day Leisuretime Show.

Among them were the current UK's Strongest Man Steve Brooks, Worcester's own Sebastian Abatiello, who famously appeared in the film Gladiators, pro wrestler Rick "The Atomic Playboy" Richards and a whole host of professional strongmen.

The event is just one of a galaxy of attractions the Three Counties Agricultural Society has lined up as part of its first pure family show.

Without a cow or sheep in sight, the extravaganza is being billed as offering something for every generation of the family.

It has evolved from last summer's Three Counties Summer Show, which had a much-changed format because restrictions caused by the foot-and-mouth crises.

"Various attractions we featured then, such as pop concerts and celebrity appearances, proved there was potential for a family entertainment show," said Press officer Sharon Gilbert.

"So the Leisuretime Show has evolved as something really different for the TCAS."

Home make-over queen Linda Barker is heading the list of celebrities. She will be at the show tomorrow to give DIY tips and meet the public at a series of theatre workshops.

There will also be music shows from carbon copies of Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Karen Carpenter, displays by a world leading extreme sports team, with stars of BMX, skateboarding and in-line skating, cookery demonstrations, rock 'n' roll and salsa sessions, martial arts and athletics displays and lots of "join-in" activities.

"Many of the join-in activities are free and for others were have a deliberate policy of keeping the cost down," Sharon added. "For example, it's only 50p to have a go on the ice skating rink."

The show hopes to attract around 30,000 visitors.