A record breaking Tonbridge teenager who can lift the weight of two baby elephants is setting off to a world championship.

After qualifying 18-year-old George Briley faced a race against time to raise £1,500 to enable him to attend the Powerlifting World Championships, which take place in Florida from November 10 to 16.

Unable to fund himself, he turned to sponsors and an online crowd-funding website. Now, home town support in the shape of a £440 donation from developer Redrow has enabled him to reach his target.

The six times world record holder, of Hectorage Road, said: “I wanted to get fit and tried crossfit and weightlifting and discovered I was really strong for a 16-year-old.

"I decided to try strength training and in May last year I took part in my first powerlifting competition and got a British record, which was amazing.

“I train three to five times a week for up to two hours at a time. When I did a 245kg squat last year that was like lifting two baby elephants!”

George has tried his hand at strongman competitions, but this year has been focusing on powerlifting - a form of competitive weightlifting in which contestants attempt three types of lift in a set sequence.

"When I did a 245kg squat last year that was like lifting two baby elephants!” - George Briley

After competing in a regional qualifier in Gravesend, George earned a place in both the British and European championships, but the cost of travelling to the European contest prevented him from taking part.

“It was a risk not going to the European competition but it meant I could concentrate on the British championship,” he said. “Somehow I ended up with six world records!”

On the upcoming tournament he added: “This is an amazing opportunity for my personal and athletic development and I cannot let it go to waste. I’m willing to work hard and earn the title of World Champion whilst beating all of my own world records.”

George will be competing in three events in the under 18s 125kg class.