A NINE strong squad from Kidderminster's Unique Fitness gym took the plaudits at the BPO British Powerlifting Championships at the weekend.

The gym’s top performer was Debbie Hickman, 49, who set a host of European and British records.

Hickman lifted 107.5 kilograms in the squat, bench pressed 62.5 kilograms and then deadlifted 146kg.

Alison Lawson had a good competition in her third one and lifted 80kg (squat), 40kg (bench press) and 120kg (deadlift) to win the women’s under-60kg class.

Rob Preston set a new world record by bench pressing 215kg in the under-90kgs category.

Harry Whale set a new world standard in the 50 to 55-year-old category, bench pressing 205kg in the under-110kg weight section.

Roy Brown set personal bests in the under-100kg, 60-65-year-old class, squating 170kg, benching 100kg and deadlifting 195kg to come second overall.

The gym’s oldest competitior, Dave Clements, 67, lifted 160kg in the squat, 120kg in the bench press and 185kg in the deadlift in the 90kg weight section.

Tony rook was also in top form in the under-110kg, 50-55-year-old class, squating 200kg, benching 135kg and deadlifting 240kg to take first place.

Despite not being at his best, Tony Brown benched 242.5kgs which was enough to secure first place, while Steve Knight came first in the under-90kg class.