PAUL Morris has muscled his way into the record books after just one power lifting competition.

Just a year after taking up the sport, the 19-year-old hasn't had to weight long for his first taste of success, qualifying for the British Championship finals.

And his lifts in the dead lift, bench and total score at the regional heats in Stockport last weekend, are believed to be British records in his 75 kilo age group category.

Although they are not confirmed officially as yet, getting anywhere near three records is beyond the teenager's expectations.

"I went there hoping to lift 150 kilos and I got up to 175 so I did more than I expected," he said.

Paul lives in Winsford, but is originally form Winnington and a former Hartford High pupil.

It was one of his tutors at Mid Cheshire College, European and World title-winning power lifter John Williams who have Paul the lift he needed to enter the competition.

"I trained with him at the old boxing club in Weaverham and he asked if I wanted to go into a competition, he thought I had potential," Paul said.

However, Paul didn't actually beat anyone to win through from the North West and Midlands heats in Stockport because there were no other competitors from his weight and age group.

But results in other heats around the country have given him confidence for when he goes for national honours on Saturday, April 21, also in Stockport.

"I'm going in it to win," Paul said. "I didn't know how I would do in the regionals as it was my first competition but after doing so well know what I'm capable of. I'm very proud of myself.

"There will be three others in my category at the British Championships and I know I lifted better than two of them in the qualifiers. But I'm not counting my chickens before they're hatched," Paul added.