LEE Nightingill, 19, from Wellington, in his first official powerlifting competition, has just qualified to enter at National level in November in Scotland. 

At the South West British Powerlifting Association Junior qualifier in Bournemouth on Sunday he came first in his 120kg weight class and second overall. 

His three lifts were 205kg squat, 125kg bench and 270kg dead lift, narrowly missing out on a successful 280kg dead lift which would have made him first overall. 

He has only recently taken up the sport after taking a break from rugby where he played for Gloucestershire U20s county team.  All his training has been at Wivey Gym in Wiveliscombe during his holiday break from Hartpury University.