YORK College pupil Ben Wharton is now ranked fourth in the country at Under-23 level powerlifting.

Wharton, who is studying a two year Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy, also holds the Yorkshire and North East squat record for all ages.

"Sport is my passion and personal training is a big part of my life," he said. "At school, I broke three shot put records and an Under 17's district record but, after realising I didn’t carry enough weight to continue with the sport, I put my energies into powerlifting.

"My training has paid off and I’m proud to have performed so well nationally at such a young age," he added.

Wharton, from Hovingham, could yet fall back on a career in sports therapy if he fails to reach the very top in his chosen sport.

"The Sports Therapy course at York College is validated by York St John University and it only takes up two days a week," said the 20-year-old. "I’m learning all about injury prevention, skeletal and muscular anatomy, strengthening and conditioning and sports massage. All of this really helps with my own sporting performance.

"It’s a great course which can lead to all manner of jobs in sport; physiotherapy, coaching, sports therapy and working with sports teams," he added.