A TALENTED powerlifter has beaten contenders from all over the globe and taken home the world championship title.

Ben Legg, 21, from Bridgwater, won first place in the 75kg junior category at the competition in Portugal from November 9 to 14.

He was sponsored by TMB Patterns, the Bridgwater toolmaking firm where he works.

"Ben competed in the regional qualifiers in Barnstaple and the British tournament in Andover, followed by the worlds," said his sister, Laura Parker.

"He is in the junior category because he is under the age of 24.

"A group of ten of us went to the championships and all cheered him on."

Ben and Laura have both been powerlifting for the last couple of years.

"Ben used to do body building and Parkour but decided to turn his hand to powerlifting," added Laura.

"We both train four to five times a week at our local gyms, Flex FA and Trimwise.

"We also train down in Barnstaple and in Glastonbury with other powerlifters.

"In the first week of March next year, Ben's got the regional qualifiers.

"Then there's the British champs in June and the European champs are being held in the UK.

"Next year's world championship is in Louisiana so if we can get sponsorship again then Ben can compete."

Ben, who has two daughters, attended Chilton Trinity before doing an engineering apprenticeship with TMB Patterns through Bridgwater College.

"Ben is an incredible perfectionist," said Laura.

"He was really disappointed at the world champs because he didn't get the total he wanted, even though he won.

"He writes all our training programmes and comes to watch me when I have a competition.

"Ben is always shouting at me from the sidelines- he's very supportive.

"He's very appreciative because Martin from TMB really pushed for the company to be the sponsor.

"Jual Clothing did the t-shirts too.

"Ben is a really lovely guy and we are all very proud of him."