HIGHLAND Games officials have issued a plea to help trace an elusive strongman who is one of the few people in the world to have completed a historic weightlifting feat.

The organisers of the Aboyne Highland Games in Aberdeenshire hope to invite Slovakian muscleman Peter Puszer to compete in this year's event on August 2.

But all their efforts to contact the 5ft 7ins, 300lbs champion - last known to be working in an Aberdeen hotel kitchen - have failed.

Mr Puszer is a competitive weightlifter who has been named the Strongest Man in Slovakia.

He is one of only a few people to have successfully completed the Dinnie Stones challenge, described by some as the "Holy Grail" of weightlifting.

Mr Puszer last completed the feat, which involves carrying two stones weighing a total of more than 350kg, at the Scottish Stones of Strength World Challenge in 2013.

Games chairman Ian Scott said: "We know that Peter Puszer has been successful in carrying the stones unassisted in the past and we would like to invite him to do the same again at the Aboyne Highland Games this year.

"We know he used to work in a kitchen at an Aberdeen hotel, so someone must know where he is now.

"I would like to urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to please get in touch."

The Dinnie Stones, or Stanes, are named after Donald Dinnie, who is said to be one of the world's greatest strongmen with 20 Highland Games championships to his name.

Anyone who can help trace Mr Puszer is asked to get in touch with organisers via the Aboyne Highland Games Facebook page.