Leicester's world famous strongman is urging people in the city and county to "ignore fake news and conspiracy theories" and get the Covid-19 jab when offered it.

Serial world record breaker Manjit Singh is hoping to lead by example after recently attending hospital to receive the coronavirus vaccine himself.

The 71-year-old granddad and fitness fanatic is renowned for taking on some of the most daunting and unusual tests of strength out there - and emerging victorious from most of them.

A hero to his many fans around the world as the Leicester Ironman, he is the holder of no less than 68 Guinness World Records - for feats ranging from pulling an empty double decker bus over 55 feet with his teeth; using his ears to lift 85 kg, and hauling a Vulcan bomber for 15.24 cm with a harness around his body.

Manjit, who has made the Highfields area of the city his home since arriving in the UK from India back in 1977, got in touch with LeicestershireLive after reading an article about how fake news circulating in some communities was putting people off getting the vaccine.

"I've heard some of the rumours myself and can't believe what I'm hearing to be honest," he said.

Manjit, who competed on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, had an invitation from the NHS to be given a vaccination at Leicester Royal Infirmary at the end of January.

"When I got the phone call I was delighted," he said. "I went along on a Sunday morning and the staff were so nice.

"The needle they use is so thin I didn't even feel it. I had the Pfizer vaccine and within 20 minutes of arriving it was all done.

"It was wonderful really. And the only side effect was a slightly sore arm the next day where the needle had gone in.

"That's it, nothing else. I felt fine."

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He added: "When I told people that I'd had the vaccine some of them told me I was crazy and should have waited until everyone else had had it first to make sure it was safe.

"I also posted something on my Facebook page and had some ridiculous replies.

"Some people are just so silly. One person sent me a link to an article about how the WHO (World Health Organisation) was trying to sterilise us all to reduce the world's population.

"I don't know where they get all this nonsense from. It is so obviously a load of rubbish, but people still believe it."

Manjit also has experience of the so-called Covid deniers.

"I work as a security guard in a supermarket and regularly see people come in without wearing a face mask," he said.

"When I challenge them they say the Covid virus is a lie and that sort of thing.

"Some people are either plain foolish or just selfish - or both. They would soon change their minds if a member of their family fell seriously ill."

Manjit is urging people to show some common sense and have faith in the medical professionals and scientists.

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"So much work has gone into developing these vaccines," he said. "And the only way we're going to get out of this crisis and protect the NHS is to get vaccinated.

"Then we can all go down the pub again and meet up with our friends and family as normal.

"But the people who fall for this fake news make that day further away, and put others at risk."

Manjit added: "If in doubt my advice would be to ask your GP if it is safe. Most people would happily take medication their doctor prescribes them in normal circumstances, so why when it comes to the coronavirus do they know better all of a sudden - it's crazy."

LeicestershireLive last spoke to Manjit when he attempted break his own world record by lifting 25 kilograms with each of his eye sockets last November.

He failed on that occasion but it is something he plans to put right once social distancing and travel restrictions are eased.

"I want to give it another try once all this is over," he said. "I was also meant to be a guest on America's Got Talent last March and had booked my flight and everything only for the coronavirus to hit us.

"That was a big disappointment but hopefully I will get another chance."

For more information on booking a vaccination and who is currently eligible, click here.

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Leicester strongman urges people to 'ignore fake news and conspiracy theories' and get the Covid-19 jab! - Leicestershire Live