It may not seem a particularly tempting prospect for a baking summer's afternoon, but half a dozen valiant Stainland Lions were up to the challenge and travelled down to Staffordshire at the weekend to take part in the annual 'Tough Guy UK' competition.

And they all came through none the worse after what proved an amazing experience for all concerned.

Set in 150 acres near Wolverhampton, the unique event attracted an entry of 5,000 from all over the country plus many from abroad to compete.

All competitors had to sign a 'death warrant' absolving the organisers of any blame for injuries as the event unfolded with a three mile cross country combined obstacle race followed by two laps around an increasingly difficult assault course which in addition to the flaming hay bales and muddy ditches included crawling under barbed wire and over 30 foot scramble nets and through swamps, concrete pipes and tyre tunnels.

Lions Chairman Richard Fawthrop was doing the event for the third time, and was joined by Steve Boyer who had also competed previously along with first timers Jimmy Smith, Warren Thomas, Gareth Duckworth and John Bassinder.

All agreed it was a superb experience but while having no hesitation in recommending it to others, stressed that anybody wishing to do it must have a decent level of fitness.