Tania Franklin claimed her first major title when she won the the South Midlands Championship held in Gosport.

The Bicester lifter beat the top competitors from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Bucks and Hampshire, as they attempted squat, bench press and deadlift disciplines.

Despite weighing the lightest in her category, Franklin not only had the greatest total, but lifted the most weight on each individual lift.

Franklin prepared for the competition by training hard at Functional Fitness in Bicester under the watchful eye of head coach Logan Usher.

Usher said: “It is a great achievement for Tania to win such a competitive and renowned competition at her first attempt.

“She worked hard and completed a 12-week programme in preparation for this event. I am just so happy it paid off.”

Franklin said: “I am over the moon to have performed so well and laid claim to my first powerlifting title.

“I will be back in the gym straight away, firstly aiding my recovery and then getting straight back to the hard work in preparation for the British Championships in September.”

For anyone else looking to make substantial health and fitness improvements, Functional Fitness, based at Wedgewood Road, Bicester, can be contacted on 07767 415225.