Three Bradford-based members of the Great Britain Special Olympics power lifting team, including a Shipley man, are getting a taste for porridge as they prepare for next summer's World Special Olympics in Dublin.

Simon Waggett, 20, of Keighley, Helen Burton, 33, of Bradford, and Andrew Hurst, 39, of Shipley, have all been selected to compete for their country and have been getting in some heavyweight training at Armley Prison with the rest of the Yorkshire and Humberside Special Needs power lifting squad.

"We enjoy our Sunday morning sessions at Armley," said squad member Paul Wilson, a former local Sports Personality of the Year.

Simon Waggett, who attends Craven College in Skipton, competes in a wide variety of sports as an active member of Bradford Sports & Recreation Association (BSRAPD) while Andrew Hurst is also involved in BSRAPD and has been working at Ashfield Garden Centre for the past 12 years. Helen Burton volunteers her time as a carer at a residential unit for the elderly in Bradford and competes in a ten-pin bowling team as well as picking up many trophies for her power lifting prowess in recent years.

The trio will be looking for gold in Ireland next June but will remain mindful of the Special Olympics oath of "let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt".

A number of Armley prison inmates are involved in the training - including Darren, of Beeston, who said: "We all enjoy the experience of working with the power lifters."

The power lifters form part of a squad of 12 from the Yorkshire and Humberside region representing Great Britain and they are all looking for sponsorship from local businesses and individuals.

More information about backing the team is available from Judy Birdass on (01262) 470201.