A Gorleston man with learning difficulties has set his sights on taking part in a national powerlifting competition.

Tony Bloice, 22, who started weightlifting only nine months ago, said the sport has given him newfound confidence and helped him to build muscle. 

"I'd never done it before but when I first started it I loved it," he said.

He trains three times a week at the Iron Warehouse, a gym on Suffolk Road in Great Yarmouth, where he has been steadily increasing his lifts over the past nine months.

He currently has a personal best of 165kg in the deadlift and 52.5kg in the bench press.

"I'm really welcome at the gym. Everyone is so kind and helpful," he said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Tony Bloice, 22, says that powerlifting has given him newfound confidence. Photo: Chad Fielder. Tony Bloice, 22, says that powerlifting has given him newfound confidence. Photo: Chad Fielder. (Image: Chad Fielder)

Mr Bloice's coach, John Lock, has been working with him since last July and said he has seen tremendous progress in his lifts and his confidence.

He is hoping for Mr Bloice, who attended the John Grant School in Caister, to lift from 180kg to 200kg on the day of the competition.

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"Tony is like a massive bundle of energy. He lifts everyone up. It's good for the soul having him around," Mr Lock said. 

Chad Fielder, a paramedic who helps support the gym events, said: "Tony has become a part of our gym family, inspiring us all to improve and drive forward no matter the circumstances.

"He has taught us all to leave all excuses at the door."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Tony Bloice has been described as an 'inspirational' member of the Iron Warehouse gym in Great Yarmouth. Photo: Chad Fielder. Tony Bloice has been described as an 'inspirational' member of the Iron Warehouse gym in Great Yarmouth. Photo: Chad Fielder. (Image: Chad Fielder)

The gym has organised a fundraiser to help Mr Bloice pay the competition's entry fee and to buy equipment.

"Tony embodies everything that is good in a person, kind, supportive, generous, and loving," Mr Fielder said. 

The British Powerlifting Union (BPU) bench press and deadlift championships take place in Manchester in May.

"Even if I don't win the championship, I'm still the champion in the end," Mr Bloice said.