DUMB belles need not apply for waitressing at a High Wycombe restaurant.

Following the launch of their new menu, TGI Friday's has employed a weightlifter to help staff cope with the huge increase in the size and demand of dishes available.

Professional wrestler Chris Mann works part time as a waiter at TGI Friday's in Fareham, Hampshire, and having developed the skills to become a professional wrestler, Chris found that he could transfer his techniques from weights to plates.

Chris then passed on his knowledge to colleagues at the diner and management were so impressed, his weight training techniques are now being trialled at TGI Friday's nationwide, including the restaurant in Crest Road, High Wycombe.

Staff will be taught weightlifting and wrist strengthening tips and techniques from a team of professionals. The waiters and waitresses will learn how to carry more meals on trays by adjusting their posture and using special lifting techniques.

Adrian Johnson, TGI Friday's operations director, said: "At TGI Friday's, we really value our staff and will provide them with all the training they need to ensure that customers receive the best possible service."

He added: "The new menu has brought an array of exciting new dishes and we are dealing with the increased demand by providing our staff with weight-lifting training.

"We have made all the staff aware that they should not carry too much but, by learning the correct lifting techniques, they can help make serving a large number of meals more manageable."