NUMEROUS South West records fell at the British Drug Free Power Lifting Federation single-lift competition at Steve's Gym in Newton Abbot.

There was also a brave attempt at setting a new British record, which didn't come off.

The majority of the competitors were Steve's Gym members, bolstered by guests, including the Cutler brothers from Torbay.

In the first lift of the squat Di Smith, competing in the ladies' masters 2, 80kg class, successfully squatted a personal best of 92.5kg, to win her class.

First up in the bench press was 14-year-old Shachar Head, who successfully lifted 55kg to win the 14-16 year old 80kg class and set a new South West record.

Smith also posted a 55kg to win the masters 2 class. Ann-Marie Rice lifted 45kg in the masters 2 U63kg class to win her section.

In the men's bench press, Karl Webb lifted 110kg in the U67.5kg class to win.

British lifter Craig Cutler (U 20, 90kg class) lifted a personal best 127.5kg for a new South West record.

Brad Cutler managed 135kg in the 100kg class, also a competition personal best. Andy Tanner, lifting equipped, posted 192.5kg in the U100kg class for a new South West record.

Nat Trout (110kg) lifted 115kg, also to win his class.

Head claimed another South West record at 130kg in the dead lift. Smith pulled 130kg to win her class and Rice lifted a winning105kg.

The Cutler brothers - known for their big dead lifts - entertained the crowd with Craig posting a personal best of 245kg to again win his class.

Brad eased his opening lift of 260kg before having a go at the British record, trying to lift 300kg. He lifted it all the way, but his grip gave way right at the top of the lift, earning three red lights from the judges. A second attempt also failed, but Cutler intends to have another go the next time he lifts competitively.