HAMPSHIRE weightlifting sensation Alison Harris has come fifth in the Britain's Strongest Woman competition.

The 28-year-old door supervisor from New Milton has only been competing in strong women competitions since January last year and this is her second attempt at Britain's Strongest Woman.

Alison's fascination with weightlifting began at the age of 24 when she noticed a lack of women lifting weights in her local gym and thought she could do better than the men.

During the national competition Alison competed against five other women and had to carry and lift items weighing up to 200kg. Scotland's Bernie McKinley claimed the title.

Alison, who weighs in at 120kg, said: "I had to drop out of the initial event - the log lift - because my back was playing up from a recent injury, so I dropped some points there. But I managed to do all the other events."

Getting to grips with her new-found fame Alison says she is recognised while working now and has been given the apt nickname of Strong Woman by friends.

Alison, who came seventh out of nine competitors at Britain's Strongest Woman last year, is now planning a rest before tackling her next competition.

She hopes to take part in the Highland Games next year and is also entered into a powerlifting competition at Bournemouth Athletics Club next month.