JERSEY powerlifter Tricia Forbes has broken the British unequipped bench press record.

Competing in only her second ever event, Forbes lifted 52-and-a-half kilos in the under-67k Over-40s Masters I class to reach the new mark at the Anglian Open in Colchester.

Forbes said: ‘Results take such a long time to come through because of all the paperwork; I found out on New Year’s Eve, hence to say it turned out to be a very good start to 2006.

‘It’s always nice to do well but to gain a British record is a surprise.

I took up lifting while recovering from a hand operation, it’s gone really well and I’ve now got the bug.

‘Powerlifting is challenging and it helps me keep fit.

I couldn’t have done it without my trainer [Neil Lewis], he is an excellent trainer and a great motivator.’ Lewis, who operates from premises at First Tower, said: ‘Tricia did really well to get the record and not only that she beat the competitors in the weight class above her.

‘Last February she was in the 75k class and after all her training she has lost weight while at the same time building up her muscles.

‘We’re delighted with the record and it could have been better at 55k but Tricia missed out because she did not lock out the lift with both arms simultaneously.’ Forbes is now looking forward to competing in the British Powerlifting championships (for bench press, dead lift and the squat lift) and the bench press championships – both to be held in June.