Steven (32) travelled down to the LX Centre in the city to take on the best amateur British contenders to pick up the trophy last weekend in what he said was a tough competition that demanded not just strength, but speed and technique.

Steven, who lived in Balvie Road, Milngavie, until two years ago, now lives in Paisley where he moved to after he got married.

He reckons people have a distorted view of the sport because most people have done it in the pub at some time or another.

He said: "Many people think arm wrestling is just about strength, but it is a different kettle of fish in competitions . Technique and speed play as big a part in winning as strength. "

Labourer Steven said technical start moves such as The Swan Neck, Hook and Roll, used at the right time could mean the difference between winning and losing.

Each attempt is known as a pull and in the top heavyweight category, 17 stone and above, Steven had to win the best of three pulls against four competitors.

He said: "I won every single pull which was great. "

He reckoned all the training helped him clinch the title. Although he no longer lives in Milngavie, Steven trains twice a week at the CE centre in the town on a Friday and Sunday.

In order to build up his arm muscle he regularly lifts 40-50kg in 10 sets of 10.

He added: "It would be great to turn professional and I now have my sights set on competing in the British Open next year. However I don't fancy competing in the heavyweight category. My plan is to lose some weight and compete in the 15 stone light heavyweight. "