TANIA Franklin continued her impressive first season as she came fifth at the British Championships in Bournemouth.

Franklin, who is from Bicester and trains at Functional Fitness, qualified for the event after winning the South Midlands Championship earlier this year.

Competing against lifters who have just returned from the world championships, Franklin was delighted with her performance.

She said: “I came into the championships with nothing to lose.

“I just wanted to improve on my performance from the South Midlands and enjoy competing alongside some of the best lifters in the world.

“To win fifth place was beyond my expectations so early on in my powerlifting career.”

Head Coach Logan Usher added: “I am over the moon with Tania’s progress so far.

“This is just the start of things to come and it’s onwards and upwards from here.”