MEMBERS of Unique Fitness did their best to get into the spirit of the British Powerlifting Organisation’s (BPO) Open Record Championships in Swansea.

Seven records were broken by a 13-strong contingent from the Kidderminster-based gym.

The tournament is a feast of powerlifting and deadlifting action, as competitors aim to set new national records.

Debbie Hickman, 49, was in top form as she broke the British record in the 65 kilogram bench press and also set a new personal best in the under-60kg deadlift, where she managed 140kg.

Making her debut in the under-82.5kg class, Alison Lawson benchpressed 40kg and deadlifted 100kg in the under-60kg section.

Les Kent won the under-82.5kg category bench press with an 190kg effort and then managed 260kg in the deadlift. Sixty-two-year-old Roy Brown was in record breaking mood, when he set the new British deadlift record and benchpressed 95kg.

Meanwhile, his training partner Dave Clements, 66, set a new national standard in the benchpress, lifting 125.5kg before deadlifting 200.5kg.

There were also new records for Rob Preston (202.5kg) and Harry Whale (210kg), while Mike Haywood just missed out on when he failed an attempt of 216kg on a technicality.

Tony Rook, who made his comeback after 18-years, made an impressive return with lifts of 125kg (bench) and 235kg (deadlifted).

Dave Foster set personal bests of 170kg (bench) and 255kg (deadlift).

Tony Brown just missed out on new British bench press record of 253kg. The Knight brothers Steve and Andy also set personal bests in their classes.