EUROPA Weightlifting Club enjoyed success at the British schools championships at Oldbury College of Sport on Saturday.

The Erith club took two of their youngest lifters to the competition and despite only having taken up the sport a year ago, both returned as national champions in their respective bodyweight categories.

First to compete was Liam Gaul in the 62kg category. Gaul missed just one of his six lifts to finish with personal bests of 65kg in the snatch and 88kg in the clean and jerk, resulting in a very respectable 153kg total.

Next to lift was Luke Livermore in the 77g category. Like his club mate, Livermore achieved five of his six lifts, setting new personal bests with a 71kg snatch and 91kg clean and jerk which was enough to win with a 162kg total.

Already the victor, Livermore made a brave final attempt at 95kg, which was unsuccessful.

The boys, both aged 15 and in Year 10 at Erith School, were introduced to the sport by their PE teacher, Rob Cully.

Europa’s Richard Hare, who coached the boys on the day, said: “I’ve worked with both lads since they started at the gym.

“I was so chuffed for them that all the hard work they have put in to learning their technique paid off at the competition.

“The club has brought six other lifters through from novice to national champion, so it is fantastic our latest recruits have now brought our total up to eight champions.”

For more information on the Erith club, call head coach Andrew Callard on 07970 684102.