TWO Swindon strongmen are gearing up to put their muscles to the test by dragging two enormous Tesco lorries for charity.

Don Bryden, 46, of Stratton and Laurence Shahlaei, 33, of Park North, will be flexing their muscles to raise as much money as they can for the British Heart Foundation and PTES (People’s Trust for Endangered Species).

The event, which will be opened at midday on Sunday July 24 by Swindon’s mayor, will feature a bouncy castle, face painting, a hog roast and music, and much more besides.

It will take place at Tesco, Octal Way, and parents are encouraged to bring their kids along to cheer on the two heroes.

Don, who is managing director at Staffright Associates and a seasoned charity fundraiser, said: “I wanted to do something big this year.

“I have never felt as fit as I do at this moment in time and I’m very confident about the challenge – I still feel like I’m 25.”

Don has been involved with PTES for the past three years and has been helping to try to stop rhino poaching in his native South Africa.

“One of the things we hope to achieve with the event is to try to raise awareness of endangered animals and those, such as rhinos, which are targeted by poachers for their horns,” said Don.

“There are only about five years left for the Black Rhino before it’s declared extinct and it’s all due to the value of their horns.”

The strongmen will both pull two eight ton lorries a distance of 25 meters.

Don, who has only attempted such a challenge once before, said: “We want people to bring their children and scream as loud as they can, we’ll need all the encouragement we can get.

“I’m not a big muscle man, I’m just very determined. I might be 46 but I’m not dead yet.”

Don, who was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, before moving to Swindon in 2000, is married to Sarah, 45, and has three children Kristen, 23, Christopher, 18 and Jessica, 11.

He said: “We hope we get good weather and it should be a great day for everybody.”

His friend and truck-pulling partner Laurence has twice been crowned Britain’s Strongest Man and has been putting Don through his paces with rigorous training.

“I’m used to doing this kind of thing but Don is fairly new to it,” said Laurence.

“We’ve been training regularly. It’s not something you can just jump out of your chair and do but Don has been doing really well.”

Laurence is set to compete in Europe’s Strongest Man, which takes place in Leeds on July 9, before battling on the world stage in August at the World’s Strongest Man in Botswana.

Laurence explained what it was like pulling such a weight. He said: “When you get into the zone you tend to switch off and think about your technique.

“The hardest bit is getting moving at the start and towards the end your legs start pumping with lactic acid and it feels like they’re going to burst.

“I’m really looking forward to the day though, it should make a great family day out.”