FORMER GB international muscleman Precious McKenzie has thrown his weight behind a workplace safety campaign in Pershore.

The ex-weightlifter, who also represented New Zealand, dropped in to Allen Gears, which has teamed up with neighbouring Flowscan to promote the European Week for Safety and Health.

Fittingly, Precious was giving advice and training on manual handling without causing back injuries. He toured the Allen Gears premises, at Atlas Works, chatting to employees and seeing how they went about their physical work.

Two physiotherapists were also at Allen Gears on Monday to offer guidance on back care and other issues. The theme of the safety and health week this year is workplace accidents and how to prevent them.

Besides the manual handling tips from Precious, a week-long programme of events had been arranged.

These included stress management advice from advanced hynotherapist Kay Dix, who has a therapy room in Pershore, and a presentation on the correct way to use computers in the workplace.