PROMISING young weightlifter Matthew Carr furthered his burgeoning reputation with a first place finish at the Northern Opens.

The 15-year-old from Ellesmere Port headed to Yorkshire to claim top spot in the event’s 62kg category.

He snatched 60kg and clean and jerked 84kg, beating his previous personal best of 82kg.

Matthew’s dad Justin poured praise on the schoolboy, who has shown great dedication to combine his studies with regular trips to West Wythenshawe Weightlifting Club in Manchester, where he trains alongside 18-year-old British champion Josh Farghaly.

Justin said: “Matthew’s done amazingly well.

“Luckily his school are dedicated to letting him get out of school early so he can get to the gym.

“But the things he’s achieved at his age are unbelievable.

“He’s only just turned 15 and he’s already been to China in October to promote sport and now won the Northern Opens.

“He beat lifters that were a lot older than him to do so and we’re all very proud.”

Rather than resting on his laurels Matthew, who has built his own gym in his garage, is now back in training preparing for his next competition. Matthew will compete on home soil in theŠ NorthernŠSchoolsŠWeightlifting Championships, held at the Oasis Youth Club on Coronation Road, Ellesmere Port, on December 12.

And his dad is hoping for further success.

Justin added: “He will now step up and compete against the best lads in Britain.

“But this time he will only be competing against lads his own age.

“So if all goes well on the day we’re confident that we will land another first place.”

Weigh in at the Ellesmere Port event is from 9-10am and lift off is at 10.30am

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