COLCHESTER’S Zoe Newson says it was a ‘great feeling’ to win golds at the World Para-powerlifting European Championships.

The two-time Paralympic and Commonwealth bronze medallist, was victorious in the -41kg event in France, to claim her first major international title.

Newson’s 91kg lift in the final round of her event was enough to give her both titles.

With competitors from outside Europe taking part, it mean that two sets of medals were awarded – one to the top-three powerlifters overall and the other to the leading three European competitors.

The 26-year-old came first in the Europeans and the Open finishing ahead of Lara de Lima, who claimed silver.

Newson told the Daily Gazette: “It was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect two golds.

“It was a great feeling winning two golds.

“It just feels weird as I’m so used to winning bronze!

“But I’m so happy that I got the medals with everyone’s support, which always help me.”

Newson has had plenty of experience of competing on the big stage.

Earlier this year, the Ipswich-born competitor won bronze for Team England, at the Commonwealth Games in the women's lightweight Para Powerlifting event.

She also won bronze in the under-45 class at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio having achieved the same medal finish at the London Paralympic Games in the under-40kg class in London, four years earlier.