A teenager is one of the most powerful people in the world - and that is official.

For in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas, 18 year-old Ashley Roberts has become a high roller in the powerlifting stakes.

It has taken him just one year to lift the under-19 title in the world powerlifting championships.

Although he had some weights and a bench press in the bedroom at his Ingleside, Netley, home, Ashley never dreamed that one day he would be a strong contender for such a title.

Now the youngster, who is 5ft 11in and weighs 17 stone, is strong enough to lift the back of a car.

An ex-pupil at Hamble Community Sports College, he had already made his name in the basketball world playing for England and Hampshire.

But it was taking an educational route across the Atlantic that bounced him on to the world powerlifting stage.

He is currently at Idaho University where he is studying for a degree in physical education. Ashley's powerlifting potential was spotted by a coach who entered him for local competitions. He was an instant success and it was not long before a chance of capturing a place in the world rankings was beckoning. At the glittering Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Ashley lifted 540lb to take the title.

Preparing himself mentally played a major part. Ashley said: "I just convinced myself that I was going to do it and I felt good."

As well as the world crown he holds the Oregon state records for two different organisations - the American Powerlifting Association and World Association of Bench Press and Deadlift.

Getting to the world championships in such a short space of time was tough. Ashley said: "I put in about two hours every day in the gym and I have to be very careful about what I eat. It is mainly a chicken diet."

Las Vegas, said Ashley, was the perfect setting for the world powerlifting championships. Because of his age he was not able to drink nor gamble but he was able to soak up the intoxicating atmosphere. He said: "I just wandered around looking at everything. It was just unbelievable."

Ashley has already booked a place in the 2004 world finals but his ultimate ambition is to take part in the world's strongest man contest.