AN 11-strong team from Kidderminster smashed records at the BPO English and Welsh Powerlifting Championships in Swansea.

The team from Unique Fitness contained four British record breakers and took a host of top two places at the championships.

Retired 64-year-old Dave Clements was one of the club's most impressive performers, when he set a new national record in the under-90 kilogram 60 to 64 age section.

Clements, who lives in Buckeridhe near Cleobury Mortimer, lifted 130kg in the squat, bench pressed 120kg and deadlifted 180kg.

Impressively, the powerful veteran has only been involved in the sport for three years and only began preparing for the championship a few months before.

He was persuaded by coach Steve Knights that he had the talent to go far in powerlifting and increased his training from twice to five times a week in the gym.

Clements said: "I have to give a lot of thanks to Steve. I couldn't have done it without his guidance and support.

"I have always set myself goals but I think I surprised myself by setting a new British record.

"A lot of credit has to go to the team we sent to the championships, they were very professional and made a big impact."

There were also new British records for Tony Brown who won the 245kg bench press, Debbie Hickman in 100kg squat and 52.5 bench press and Louise Price in the deadlift and bench press categories.

Henry Loveridge won his category, while Dave Foster came second in the 100kg class and Chris Drew won the 125kg category.

There was also success for Rob Preston (1st, 90kg), Mark Jenkins (2nd, 125kg class) and Steve Knight.

Success ensured the team have qualified for the British Championships, which are held in Bath on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.