Three members of Steve's Gym Powerlifting Club made the short journey to East Devon for the South West Powerlifting Championships, affiliated to the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association.

The competition was organised by south west records registrar and respected referee Andrew Cominos, along with Tiverton Powerlifting and Weightlifting Club.

The Sunningmead Community Centre provided an excellent venue and while the 14 lifters provided an early finish for the organisers, there was no shortage in quality lifting with some of the strongest lifters from the south west and also two competitors from a nearby Marine garrison.

Enjoying his first taste of competition was Luke Solomi, who lifted a total of 395kg, with lifts of 130kg in the squat, 85kg in the bench press and a 180kg deadlift. The squat, bench press and total represented British records for the 15-and-under 82.5kg category.

Fourteen-year-old powerlifting prodigy Shachar Head continued her fine progress with lifts of 110kg in the squat, 65kg bench press and 132.5kg deadlift, smashing the 300kg total lift for the first time. This now augurs well for the British Championships, in Bournemouth in March, where Head will be attempting to secure selection for the British squad for international competition later in the year.

Watching the two was fellow powerlifter Sam Solomi, who provided assistance, advice and coaching throughout the day for his young charges.

Making up the Steve's Gym trio was veteran M3 Alan Gunbie, who did well in his weight and age category with hard earned lifts of 92.5kg squat, 87.5kg bench and 147.5kg deadlift for a combined total of 322.5kg.