EUROPE’S strongest man treated a little boy with a rare genetic condition to a dream day out today.

Newly crowned Swindon strongman Laurence Shahlaei, of Sparcells, pulled a nine-ton truck through the car park of MAN Truck and Bus, Blagrove.

But there was a special surprise for inspirational youngster Frankie Phillips who has a rare form of dwarfism called Russell-Silver Syndrome.

The five-year-old, who lives with parents Jimmy and Sam and his eight siblings in Penhill, was hoisted up into the truck which was then dragged by Laurence in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To cap it off he was presented with a photo of himself, Laurence and fellow truck puller, businessman Don Bryden.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant,” said Frankie’s proud dad Jimmy, 30.

“To have the support from people like Laurence is unbelievable. Frankie is very excited to be here.”

Laurence, 33, said he was delighted to make the youngster’s dream come true.

“I was told about Frankie by a friend of mine and we asked the family if they wanted to come to another truck pull. He’s such a special little boy and I’m really pleased that he could come down here today,” said Laurence.

Laurence was joined by fellow strongmen Terry Hollands, who will also compete in World’s Strongest Man and up-and-coming competitor Nick Millard.

The strongmen drew roars from the watching crowds as they flexed their muscles, attached themselves to the truck and took agonising steps across the car park.

Laurence and Terry were using the car park as training ahead of the World’s Strongest Man competition which will be held in Botswana in two weeks.

And like a true professional Laurence said he wasn’t fazed by the two truck pulls.

“It felt good today and I’m feeling confident and ready for the championship. The legs felt alright and considering we have to pull an aeroplane for World’s Strongest Man, this is a good way to start.”

Laurence, whose Strongman odyssey began in 2005, hits the gym for two-hour work-outs four times a week and consumes a whopping seven meals and 7,000 calories daily.

He will be cheered on by fiancée Liz and children Lewis and Ava, both seven. His partner of four years paid tribute to Laurence’s dedication.

“He’s so focused on what he’s doing and it’s a full-time job to make sure he’s fit enough to compete. I feel very proud when I watch him truck-pulling because I know all the hard work he’s put in,” said Liz.

Laurence said he the backing of people in the town spur him on as he prepares for his eighth World’s Strongest Man appearance.

“I’ve had a lot of support from people in Swindon, people keep coming up to me and congratulating me and giving me a pat on the back, it’s great to know that people are behind me."