WEIGHTLIFTERS from across the region and beyond gathered in Durham City over the weekend.

The Yorkshire and North-East Classic Benchpress Championships were held at The Boathouse at the end of Green Lane on Saturday.

Almost 30 lifters, men and women, aged from age 17 to 70, who are competing to be a YNE Divisional Champion and for qualification to the British Championships, took part.

They travelled from Morpeth, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Teesside, Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster to do battle with gravity.

Organiser Jim Dulling, chairman of Durham Powerlifters, said: “The competition has local support from North-East sculptor James Armstrong.

“James has established himself as a talented artist and specialises in the use of mechanical parts being fashioned into stimulating sculptures.

“His background of Agricultural Engineering and his welding skills are being put to good use in his production of the competition trophies.”

“The competition is a showcase event and attracts a substantial following.”