Weight lifting world record broken in Bath

Luke Vella is a strength and conditioning coach at Bath Sports Training Village Credit: Team Bath

A strength and conditioning coach at University of Bath's Sports Training Village has set a new deadlift world record.

Luke Vella deadlifted 126kg for 44 repetitions in just 49 seconds, giving him a total weight of 5,544kg. The previous record stood at 5,520kg.

The attempt is yet to be formally ratified.

The event raised thousands of pounds for Bristol Children’s Hospital, who saved the life of his fellow Team Bath coach Bob Smith’s baby daughter.

Vella has already raised nearly £2,500 through his record attempt and hopes to double that amount on his JustGiving page.