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Examining the weights and bar bell in preparation for the contest, Ray Thornton (left) and his Albion colleague Tom Gildert.

Lifting as a heavyweight for the first time in his career, Ray Thornton (Burnley Albion) was in great form on Sunday in the East Lancashire championships at Lowerhouse Mills Club. His total of 705lbs makes him only the second Burnley competitor to exceed 700, and on each of his three lifts he recorded a personal best. However, despite this performance Ray was forced into second place by the former North West Counties junior champion Dave Isom (Runcorn) who had a winning margin of 27 and three-quarter pounds.

Quality lifting compensated for lack of quantity in the number of entries and held the interest of an enthusiastic audience. After a seven years absence former British bantamweight champion Alan Robinson (Blackburn) made a surprise return in the featherweight class which he won easily with 583 and three-quarter pounds. His presence affected Albion's Tom Gildert who was unable to produce the performance expected although he equalled his previous best with 491 and a quarter pounds.

The second part of the competition, promoted by the Albion Weightlifting Club in conjunction with the Burnley Express takes place at Lowerhouse Mills Club and Institute on October 18th when the fly, bantam, middle and mid-heavyweight classes will be contested.