TO best mates Andy Barker and Neil Pickup, arm wrestling is a family affair.

Hoddlesden muscleman Andy makes his second TV appearance of 2004 later this year when he comes up against his best pal and coach, Neil.

But on top of professional pride - Andy is current world number two and Blackburn's Neil is a former world champion - the pair are wrestling for the affections of Neil's sister, Elaine, who is going out with Andy.

The duo are now limbering up for their bout which will form part of the 'day in the life'-style TV programme.

They will travel to the Pottery Shopping Centre, Stoke, and filming for Channel 4's 'The Rivals' will take place throughout tomorrow, building up to the head-to-head arm wrestle.

Andy, 26, of Chapman Road, has never competed against his coach before but trains with him constantly.

He said: "Every week they will pick a couple of rivals who will compete against each other. At first they were wanting us to growl at each other as rivals but then they realised it was friendly rivalry.

"It will be strange competing against Neil because we've never competed against each other before. But it will be a good match as we are both world class.

"He is a former world champion and I'm currently world number two but we compete in different weights. Neil is heavier than me so I will be up against it but I am strong at the moment.

"I really don't know who will win because we know each other inside out and will be looking at each other's weaknesses. We are doing this in a bid to raise the profile of arm wrestling."

The competition, a British Armwrestling Federation event, will be tough but it will be Andy's girlfriend Elaine who will find it toughest, being torn between her partner and her brother. Andy, who recently returned from the world championships in Canada with a well-earned silver medal, said: "I have told Elaine she better be supporting me. I think she will remain neutral, though."

Elaine also represented Britain at last year's world championships, winning bronze on both left and right arm in the women's 70 kilo competition.

'The Rivals' is expected to be screened within the next few months. Andy will also hit our TV screens during the next ten weeks on Sky One in 'Britain's Hardest'. It starts on Monday and Andy features in one of the ten episdoes competing for the title but he is sworn to secrecy over the results.