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Like a scene out of some mythical fairytale, a Welsh strong man has become the first in living memory to lift an ancient "Stone of Strength".

Mark Jeanes earned his title as one of the strongest men in Wales when he raised the legendary 28st Y Maen Camp (The Feat Stone), to shoulder height at Criccieth.

It is the heaviest recorded stone on the British Isles and due to its irregular shape and weight distribution, coupled with the fact that the lift is attempted without the use of tacky, makes it even more impressive.

It was mentioned in the book The Mask of Merlin – a biography of David Lloyd George – as being a “test-your-strength stone”, and said to have inspired him to enter into politics.

Criccieth’s Stone of Strength competition has been running for the past four years after it was rediscovered and has attracted many locals as well as world-class athletes. But no-one has managed to lift it above knee height...until now!

Jeanes delighted the crowds when, after two lifts to the chest, he managed to lift the enormous boulder to shoulder level.

He walked away with £1,000 for his successful lift.

Event organiser Stephen Sandercombe-Burr said: “This year, Wales’ strongest man and Britain’s natural strongest man, Mark Jeanes delighted the crowds.

“After several level two lifts (to the chest), on his final attempt, he went on to successfully lift the enormous boulder to his shoulder.”

A couple of years ago Roger Davis, a feat stone expert, attempted to lift another large stone called ‘Y Garreg Orchest’ outside of the Criccieth Memorial Hall.

He said: “I can honestly say that this is the most challenging stone I have ever attempted to lift.

“I made 11 attempts at lifting the stone, losing a fair amount of skin in the process.

“But it was not to be, it did not budge an inch, still, in my opinion there is no shame in failure, only shame in not trying.”