MARK Felix's hunger for success is as big as his appetite. For man-mountain Mark, who stands 6ft 4inch tall and weighs in at 21 stone, knows all about piling on the pounds in his quest for success.

But the 40-year-old, who has twice been a World's Strongest Man finalist, doesn't gorge on whole chickens or legs of lamb, it is more a case of little and often.

He still manages to tuck away 7,000 calories a day though, twice as much as an average man.

Mark, who swapped Grenada for Great Harwood eight years ago, starts with seven wheatabix for breakfast and tops up throughout the day on sandwiches and fruit before tucking in to a protein rich evening meal.

"He does eat a lot but not as much as you would imagine," said wife Denny who has to do the family shopping twice a week.

"He takes in a lot of calories but they are good calories.

"He doesn't eat sweet or fatter foods and everything he eats is fresh produce and very healthy.

As well his protein supplements, fresh fruit and veg and chicken, the secret of Mark's well balanced diet is fish heads!

"Where Mark was brought up he was taught not to waste anything," added Denny.

"So there is a man on Blackburn market who saves all of the fish heads for him.

"Mark brings them home and boils them up to get some extra protein.

"He loves them and so do the kids but it is not for me as I am a vegetarian!"

And Mark will be hoping it is a recipe for success as he attempts to qualify for his third World Strongest Man competition.

The self-employed plasterer will take part in the Poland Super Series later this week knowing a top four finish will be good enough to book his place in the main event in China later this year.

And Mark will travel to Poland in buoyant mood having recently won the Callendar Highland Games strongest man competition and the Cannock Chase strongest man event.

Last year, he took part in the World's Strongest Man competition in Quebec and the Pan American event in Brazil. He was also crowned British champion.

And in 2004, he won a string of events - including the North of England Strongest Man title - to book his place in his first world finals.

Mark has been training every night of the week at his Rishton camp which is kitted out with all the equipment needed for his assault on the big prizes.

The competition, made famous by Geoff Capes in the late 80s, include events such as the stones, Hercules hold, Conan's wheel, and Mark's personal favourite, the dead lift.

"Mark has been training very hard and he is at his base every night of the week," added Denny.

"His aim is to qualify for the later stages of the World's Strongest Man event. In the two previous finals, he has been knocked out early on."

Mark, who is looking to secure a sponsorship deal, rates the Hercules Hold as well as the Dead Lift as his favourite events and has even talked about attempting a new world record.

"It would be great if he could do that," added Denny.

"And if he does well then he might just treat himself to a bit of stodgy food!"