A POWERLIFTING firefighter is world class after coming second in international championships.

Twenty-nine-year-old Liam Curran lifted the equivalent of a cow - 667.5kg - at the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation European Championships.

The father-of-three, who is based at Calton fire station, lifted the weight over three separate events in the 100kg category - squat, bench press and deadlift.

He also broke the Scottish record for Bench Press in the 100kg division at the tournament in Weston-Super-Mare on April 10 and 11.

Liam, who got into bodybuilding with friends at the gym, before he started powerlifting last year.

He won the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association Scottish qualifier in December to qualify for the British championships, where he came second in his class.

He said: "It was a fantastic experience to finish second at the European Championships particularly with my wife and three sons present.

"I’ve set a 700kg target for the Worlds in November and hopefully I can push myself into the top five!”

Along with his family and friends, Liam has found plenty of encouragement from his fellow crew members at Calton.

Watch Manager Gus Young said: “Liam’s dedication and devotion, particularly with his diet training regime, is exemplary.

“The watch and myself have been there in the background pushing Liam on and assisting him, even spotting for him on his heavier training days.

“Unfortunately we had just come off duty on the day of the championships or else we would all have been there cheering him on. I have no doubt the watch will give him the same support and assistance as they have up to now when he goes for the worlds in November.”

Next up for Liam is the chance to represent Scotland at the Four Nations Championship in August in Cardiff .

Liam added: “All the guys have been supporting me from the beginning and I can’t thank them enough for their encouragement and help.

"I hope I can do everyone proud in Cardiff and at the Worlds in Killarney.”

Liam’s results:

100kg class, unequipped

Squat – 222.5kg

Bench Press – 170kg (New Scottish record in the 100kg class)

Deadlift – 275kg

Total – 667.5 kg