THREE Powerlifters from a Bridgwater Gym are heading to Russia on May 30 to compete in one of the toughest championships in the world.

Laura Parker, 29, her 22-year-old brother Ben Legg and her partner Steve Thresher, 40, have already bagged some big titles and hope to find themselves on the podium again in Russia.

Forty-six countries worldwide participate in the annual Amateur World Powerlifting Congress Championships and the trio will join them courtesy of their local gym, Riverside Fitness Club.

Laura paid tribute to the gym for their help, saying: “But for the generosity of Riverside Fitness we wouldn’t be going this year. 

“They have paid for our flights and visas and even bought special benches and calibrated competition plates to help with our training.”

Steve also achieved silver in the European Championship last year and her brother Ben won the 2015 World Championships in Portugal.

The trio specialise in Powerlifting which focuses on Squat, Bench and Dead lifts. 

Each undertakes 10 hours training a week, which they fit around their full-time jobs and family commitments.

Owner of Riverside Fitness, Paul Johns said: “They are so dedicated you can’t fail to be impressed with them; they know that it is only hard work that will get them there and for that reason we wanted to support them in their aspirations. 

Laura is under no illusion that they are going to be in with some tough competition.

“Russia is our biggest challenge to date,” she said.

“Children from the age of 10 begin training in this discipline so you can’t underestimate the calibre we are competing against. We are so excited!”