WHAT a few weeks it has been for weightlifters at Pride Performance Gym.

On the back of three of their young stars shining at the British Age Group Championships, there were some excellent displays for development lifters at the North West Schools.

> Pride Performance weightlifter becomes British champion

Grace Hansbury-Ellis and Alissa Rawlings, both 8, made it a Pride Performance one-two in the under 10s girls age group, with Grace winning gold and Alissa claiming silver.

Eleven-year-old Darcy Ruddock won her third under 12s competition, lifting an impressive 21kg in the snatch and 32kg in the clean and jerk.

Sam Kilgallon won the under 12s category as he lifted personal bests of 25kg in the snatch and 32kg in the clean and jerk.

There was a first and last for 12-year-old Zane Stout – his first weightlifting competition was also his last development outing.

He will move up to under 15s competitions next year with a goal of qualifying for the British Age Group Championships.

Fraser Ruddock, 8 and Jack Caldwell, 10 competed in their first competition as under 10s boys, hitting personal bests and enjoying the experience.

All seven attend either Barbell Cubs or Youth Weightlifting Club at the Old Liverpool Road-based gym under coaches Hather Flannery and Andrew Griffiths.