CATSHILL powerlifter Kelly Phasey broke her own British record in the bench press as she retained her title in the British Masters Classic Powerlifting Championships.

The 40-year-old lifted a total of 421kg in the Belfast championships on March 12 with a best dead lift of 160kg, best squat of 165kg, and best bench press of 96kg – a new British record after beating her own record of 95.5kg which she set last year.

She said: “It was the toughest competition I've ever experienced as Sarah Marsden my main competitor kept me on my toes. It really did mean so much to retain my British title again."

She now hopes to have secured her spot at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Belarus in June 2017.

* Kelly has also launched an open day for her new classes at Activ8 Health and Fitness and Athletic Performance Training, offering strength and conditioning for young people.

Doors open between 10am-2pm on April 1, at APT Unit 2, Stourbridge Road, Fairfield.