BODY strength will be put to the test when a Basingstoke gym hosts its second Strongest Novice Competition.

The event will take place at Elite-Bodyworks, in Kingsclere Road, Houndmills, on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5.

The weekend event is dedicated to showcasing some of the south’s aspiring strength athletes, with women competing on Saturday and men battling it out on the Sunday.

Both days are free for spectators to attend. The athletes will be refereed by Tom Hibbert, under 90kg England’s Strongest Man 2014, Aaron Page, Open Strongman, Gina Collins, Britain’s Strongest Woman 2014 and Katie Dixon, Britain’s Strongest Woman 2013.

Trophies, sponsored by Vantage Sports Nutrition and Protein Power, will be awarded to the top three in each of the four categories, while the winners will be presented with a tablet from Lenovo.

There will be a variety of stands selling food and supplements, and visitors can also have a look around the gym and speak to Elite-Bodyworks coaches.

There are still spaces left in the women’s competition.

Anyone interested in taking part should email info@elitebodyworks.com.