A GYM in Droitwich is ready for a real show of strength when it hosts the first ever powerlifting event on Sunday.

Physique Fitness will be welcoming 60 lifters from across the country to take part in an official Great Britain Powerlifting Federation (GBPF) competition (11am start).

Leading the home gym's very own15 strong contingent will be former Worcester Ladies forward Kelly Phasey.

After helping the team to the RFUW Premier title in the 2012-13, she retired from rugby but has focused her talents on powerlifting.

Phasey confirmed her position as a force to be reckoned with after finishing fourth in her first appearance at the Britain's Strongest Woman contest in Northampton earlier in the yeaer.

Gym owner Matt Lingard said: "I believe this is the first time Droitwich has hosted an official GBPF event, so we're all excited about it.

"We moved into a new facility last year which has 20,000 square foot and it impressed the guys at a national level.

"More and more people are taking up powerlifting, as a sport it has become more accessible.

"Kelly's days playing for Worcester mean she has explosive strength and rugby powerlifting are two sports where an athlete's skills are certainly transferable."