PAT Tombs claimed her fifth consecutive British title and set three new world records and best in class at the British Drug-Free Powerlifting Championship, in King's Lynn.

The Clacton competitor, who celebrates her 71st birthday in a few weeks, qualified for the National Open Raw Full Power event, which incorporates three disciplined lifts, squat, bench press and dead lift, in the M7 category.

She opened her campaign with a comfortable 60kg squat before increasing the weight to register her first world record with a 65kg lift.

With the bit between her teeth and presenting an air of confidence, Tombs produced a dazzling display in the bench press, opening with 45.5kg.

A quick confer with her coach resulted in registering with the judges her intention to attempt a new world record.

There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation as Tombs made a necessary adjustment, balancing her heaviest weight, lowering, then thrusting the 47.5kg skywards to record her second world record of the championship.

Tombs was jumping with relief and joy as the enthusiastic crowd applauded her achievement.

With four hours on and off lifting behind her, Tombs saved the best for last - the deadlift, which is a pure test of of lifting strength and technical ability.

Throwing caution to the wind, Tombs opened with her Masters Six top lift, before consulting her coach, David Gunning.

Between them, a decision was taken to grab the momentum and attempt a final world record lift. With international judges in position and an air of silence in the packed auditorium, Tombs took up her lifting position.

Officials signalled that the bar had been loaded with a staggering 105kg - the heaviest weight witnessed in this division.

Calling on her experience, psychological and physical resource, Tombs hauled the bar upwards to her tiny thighs before locking in her knees, then raising her head to complete the lift, recording her third world record of the championship.

Tombs, weighing in at 48.7kg, had competed for five and a half hours and lifted more than double her own body weight.

She was deservedly ecstatic with her overall performance and acknowledged the presence of home support from Clacton, which gave her a psychological edge.

Coach Gunning said: "Pat is now the front runner in the world's most senior powerlifting category and I feel she is capable of bigger lifts.

"We are enjoying the moment."

Tombs has stared her new training cycle at Gym Trim, in Clacton.