A powerlifter has broken a world record - just weeks after undergoing back surgery.

Adam Alderman, 16, of Hawkwood Road, Sible Hedingham, near Halstead, took home the gold medal for powerlifting at the sixth National Dwarf Championships which was held in Peterborough at the weekend.

And to top off his success story, he also discovered he had smashed the current world record.

Adam, who is 4ft tall and weighs 35.9kg, lifted a record 60kg at the event which attracted competitors from as far a field as France, Germany and Denmark.

The Hedingham School student also won a bronze for badminton, and came fourth in both table tennis and boccia, which is similar to French bowls.

Proud mum, Jennie Alderman, explained Adam had been unable to compete in the javelin and shot put events as he had recently undergone spinal decompression surgery and was not allowed to twist his body.

Adam has won a cluster of medals at the last two World Dwarf Games. and was awarded the Essex Sports Achievers Award in the endeavour category in 1997.

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