A powerlifter who clinched a silver medal at a regional competition hopes to be a role model for girls getting into the sport.

Leanne Singleton finished second at Fighting Fit’s Christmas Spectacular in Manchester under the North West Powerlifting banner, racking up a 287.5kg total which is the accumulation of her one rep max on bench press, deadlift and squat.

Leanne, 38, struck on powerlifting after being ruled out of crossfit due to injury and noticed her talent when she deadlifted 130kg and saw the reactions of the other gym-goers.

“I didn’t take on board how heavy it was,” she added.

Luckily her coach, Emma Dodd, did and encouraged her to pursue her talent, advancing her strength to new levels.

Top female strength athletes such as Stefi Cohen and Bobbie Butters inspire Leanne and she wants to be a role model to young girls in the same way.

“I have a lot of girls that say they want to do what I do,” she said

“That’s the biggest point that I want to get across; why should it be any barrier?”

Singleton has competed across the UK, including at the All- England Championships in Nottingham.

As well as training at Northern Warrior Crossfit and working at Wath Brow Hornets’ gym, she studies sport at Lakes College with a view to becoming a fully-qualified fitness instructor.

She said: “When I was younger it was all I wanted to do.

“College is a second chance and loving sport it’s ideal.”

She also balances powerlifting with a hectic schedule of being a single mother and admitted that it is difficult at times but ultimately worth it.

“It is but I’m learning in a positive way how to deal with it,” she said.

“I would never ever want anyone to let it stop them.”

The trip to Manchester including her accommodation was covered by a grant from Lakes College, while Leanne is also sponsored by The Hungry Caterpillar in Workington.