WEIGHTLIFTER Ged O'Hara has realised his dream of qualifying to compete at a world championships.

The 42-year-old was a victor in his category - over 40s men's 105kg-plus - at last weekend's Northern Masters Weightlifting Championships to secure a spot at next year's global edition.

"That was my target, and I'm made up to have reached it so soon," he said.

"I can now focus fully on making sure I'm ready to compete in a year's time.

"It might feel a long way away at the moment, but I've already filled in half a spreadsheet while planning what I want to get done in training."

O'Hara, who runs the R A Fitness Centre at Winnington Hall in Northwich, recorded a personal-best total at Mytholmroyd in Wales.

He followed a 105kg snatch with a 123kg clean and jerk, making a final score of 228kg.

That put him well clear of 105kg weight category rival Andy Ruddick, as well as the other competitors in his age class.

"I did a personal best, and can't ask for more," added O'Hara, who is from Winsford.

"I had hoped to meet the qualifying criteria, but you never know how it will turn out on the day.

"In the end, it went as I planned!"

He turns his attention next to the British Masters Weightlifting Championships at Lilleshall in March.

A silver medal was his reward in this year's edition.

The World Masters Weightlifting Championships follows in Germany in the Autumn.