A QUINTET of powerlifters make the short trip to Bournemouth this weekend looking to maintain the city of Salisbury's proud tradition in the fast-growing sport, when they go for gold at this year's British Championships.

Neil Arnold, Brendan 'Gino' Jeynes, Paul Newell, Phil Randall and Lee Steggles will be in action at the two-day event, again staged at the BIC, and hopes are high that all five will feature among the medals.

Former women's world champion Lee Steggles is reported to be in tip-top condition and may well turn in a record-breaking performance.

At the other end of the scale, Paul Newell, who was fourth on his debut at last year's championships, finished runner-up at a recent divisional event and is expected to continue his ascendency in the 90kg class.

Arnold, Jeynes and Randall have also been training hard and all hope to shine.

Randall said: "Things have been going really well. Lee, Gino and myself have all being hitting personal bests in training."

Arnold, now fully recovered from an injury sustained at last year's championships, said: "It's all coming together nicely. Paul is looking particularly sharp and it'd be nice if he finished among the medals."

The championships get under way at 10am on Saturday at the BIC's Tregonwell Hall. Admission is £10 (two-day ticket, £15 is available).