A LAUNCESTON powerlifter has broken the national bench press record with her debut lift in her first ever competition.

Jade Farrington, 26, smashed the previous British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA) single lift unequipped bench press record in the women's under 58.5kg weight category.

She lifted 50kg on her first attempt at the 2012 South West Divisional Single Events Championships in Plymouth on Sunday, December 16 — 5kg more than the previous record of 45kg. She then broke her own new record with lifts of 55kg and 60kg.

Jade, who trains at Crunch Gym in Launceston and Plymouth Performance Gym, said: "I'm really proud to be the new record holder and I want to thank everyone who helped me do it."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.