A GREENOCK powerlifter is raising the bar for the sport in Inverclyde after qualifying for the British championships.

Ross Taggart from Branchton is preparing to take on the very best from across the UK in Bournemouth on 31 October, less than a year after taking up the sport.

The 17-year-old was a promising boxer who’d won British, Scottish and district titles before he was forced to quit the sport after being diagnosed with epilepsy in January.

But Ross was determined to keep competing in physical activity so switched his attentions to powerlifting.

His transition has been seamless and earlier this year the former St Columba’s High pupil bagged a Scottish silver medal and set four national records.

It earned him a place at the Great Britain Powerlifting Federation junior championships, which take place in just over three weeks.

Ross is going into the contest full of confidence and keen to add to his trophy collection.

He told the Tele: “I feel brilliant and training has been great — the numbers keep going up and up.

“I’m lifting close to the British record now. I have high hopes for the competition.

“I’m confident that I can do well.” But former Inverclyde Junior Sports Personality of the Year Ross has encountered difficulties in the run-up to the event and is worried that his UK championships bid could fall flat on its face.

The teenager, who is studying sport at West College Scotland’s Waterfront campus in between training and job hunting, explained: “I’m self-funding to get down to Bournemouth to compete.

“Gianni’s at the West Station said they would help me out with sponsorship, as did Smart Repair on Nicolson Street.

“But I’m looking for more sponsors to help me because I need to pay for things like travel down and while I’m there, as well as accommodation.

“Powerlifting is not recognised in the same way as weightlifting so I can’t apply for grants.” This weekend Ross will be in action at a warm-up event in the Ardler Complex, Dundee, and he has also qualified for the Scottish Junior Championships next month at the same venue. Any interested sponsors can get in touch with him by emailing rosstaggart123@outlook.com or calling 07913 649588.