PAT Tombs returned from the British Drug Free Powerlifting Championship, having claimed a hat-trick of titles and set new world records.

Tombs, from Clacton, who celebrates her 69th birthday on Easter Sunday, qualified for the open full power three disciplines category, which included lifts in squat, bench press and deadlift in the M6 category.

Tombs settled for a 65kg squat and opened with comfortable lift in the bench press.

Having conserved energy, she signalled her intention to attempt new world records.

First up was the bench press and Tombs didn’t disappoint, claiming a new world record 45kg.

In the deadlift the atmoshere was electric as Tombs broke her former world mark with a 100kg, she then went on to record 102.5kg, eclipsing her old record by 7kgs.

Weighing in at 48 kilos, this massive lift was more than double her body weight.

Her efforts secured her a third British title and to cap an excellent championship, Tombs was awarded the Andrew Varley memorial trophy, after being voted the most inspirational female competitor in the tournament.

Coach David Gunning, said: “Pat has mastered the psychological and physical attributes required of a world champion.

“She has consolidated her position as the world’s number one powerlifter in her category.”

Tombs now returns to her training base at Clacton’s Gallery Fitness Gym, to prepare for more new powerlifting challenges.