A major youth weightlifting competition is coming to the county town next month.

The England Age Group Championships take place at Maidstone Leisure Centre from February 23-25.

Maidstone Weightlifting Club are hosting the three-day event in partnership with British Weightlifting, the sport’s governing body.

They’ve secured free use of Mote Hall, thanks to assistance from Cllr Dave Naghi, and all is set for a tournament to remember as 300 lifters, ranging from under-10s to under-23s, show what they’re made of.

“It’s quite a festival of lifting,” said Maidstone coach Matt Vine.

“A lot of people don’t realise two things - one, that children do weighlifting, and, two, that girls do weighlifting.

“There will probably be an equal number of girls taking part as boys, if not more, which will surprise a few people.

“I‘m often asked why do girls do it? The answer is why not?”

The championships tend to be held up north so it’s a feather in the cap for Maidstone to bring them to Kent.

Vine said: “Dave has mentioned over time we’d love to bring a major national championships to Maidstone and said we’d try and get free let from the local authority to support it, which they generously have.

“It helps no end because it encourages the national association to bring their championships here and it’s good because the younger children enjoy going to all the different venues.

“The governing body, British Weightlifting, they like the idea of taking it all over the country, so it fell into place quite nicely for us to co-host it with them in Maidstone.”

Maidstone will be well-represented and, with the club riding the crest of a wave, there are genuine hopes of home medals.

“Our young lifters are excelling – we’ve got great momentum,” said Vine.

“Lots of sports teams have an era and I think maybe we’re having our era, so it’s all tied in nicely.

“We should have a high entry from our club, which is good for local interest, and fingers crossed it all goes well.

“As with any sports event, it’s what happens on the day.

“We normally have quite a good number of children winning medals but it’s coach’s curse to say that, isn’t it?

“Hopefully they will all be well-prepared and it give it a go and then it’s down to the glorious uncertainty of sport.

“You never know what’s going to happen.”