A FALMOUTH powerlifter has become a world champion just a year after taking up the sport.

Abbie Liddicoat, aged 23, beat off international competition to finish first in her age and weight category at the

BDFPA World Powerlifting Championships in Italy.

"It all seems a little surreal. It has only been a year since my first competition so it's great that all the hard work has paid off," said the Cornwall College teacher.

Abbie has kept to a strict diet as set out by Tom Boswell, of Active Strength and has trained three times a week under the guidance of Paul Rutter, of Pride Gym, and also at St Michael's Hotel.

Her friend Tian Peacock was crowned a world champion last year and that gave her the inspiration to take up the sport.

She lifted a total of 275kg across three disciplines - squats, deadlift and bench press - to take the title in the Junior 55kg category.

"Unfortunately I missed the official presentation because I went back to the hotel to get changed and had some Prosecco to celebrate. By the time I got back it'd already finished!"