A BALA strongman is the best in Wales... yet again!

For the third year in a row, Ben Brunning has won the Wales Strongest Man competition.

This year's event was held at Llangollen's Royal International Pavilion over the weekend.

Ben, aged 30, said: "To say I'm happy is an understatement.

"I'm over the moon.

"Training has been constant and so hard to fit around work and day-to-day life.

"But, when you get moments like this, it's all worth it."

During a dominant performance in Llangollen, Ben triumphed in four of the five separate events.

"I was happy I could give more if needed," he added.

"All the events were greatly thought out and it's hard to pick a favourite, but I think the fingle fingers (log flip) won it for me as it was fast and exciting. After winning that event, it secured my victory as long as the last event wasn't an disaster.

"I liked all the events, even the stone carry I didn't win, but I would say the hardest physically was the squat and load."

As a result of his success, Ben has qualified for the 2020 Britain's Strongest Man competition.

This will be held in Sheffield on January 18, 2020.

Ben, who stands at 6'1" in height and weighs in excess of 300lbs, added: "I have nothing in the pipeline until January, but I will be looking to get some more events and appearances.

"For me to progress I will need to be able to recover better, but things like physiotherapy and other treatments cost so much to do regularly.

"And it's hard to recover with a full time factory job as well.

"I've gotten this far by having support.

"Big Dogs Strongman Division is where I train with a bunch of hard working guys that push me to be better.

"My sponsors Strom Sports Nutrition, Cerberus Strength and Xplosiveape, and Spartan Atlas Stones make sure I'm happy and have everything I need.

"(I've had) the support of my friends and family, especially my girlfriend who's been amazing."