PEMBROKESHIRE could soon be producing the next generation of Olympic weightlifters, thanks to a major investment.

Sport Wales has pumped £50,000 into a new high performance weightlifting and strength and conditioning centre at Sir Thomas Picton leisure centre in Haverfordwest.

Instructors will help people reach their sporting potential by teaching them how to lift correctly, how to improve their power and explosive strength, as well as health, fitness and well-being.

Those already signed up to use the centre for conditioning sessions include the Scarlets’ rugby squads.

The facility has received the seal of approval from Olympian Natasha Perdue, who competed as part of Team GB at London 2012.

She said: “I was very impressed. It is important that we have quality facilities and support for people when they walk into a centre like this.

“Lifters who want to develop and compete at a high level need to have good equipment and an environment that can help them become the best they can be.

“And people who are looking to try weightlifting for the first time and learn about the sport need to see high standards so they are encouraged to come back.

“Hopefully we’ll see more and more lifters from west Wales competing in big competitions and putting themselves in contention for events like Commonwealth Games in the future.”

Project lead at SAW Cymru and chairperson of Pembrokeshire Weightlifting, Simon Roach said: “It is an excellent training centre for sports people who wish to improve their physical performance, to help them cope with the physicality of modern sport and to help local sports people reach the next level in their sporting pathway. Team sports such as rugby, hockey, football, netball, basketball, athletics, cycling and swimming will particularly benefit.

The former Commonwealth Games head coach added: “This is an exciting time for Pembrokeshire sports people. SAW is providing an outstanding coaching service and combined with its excellent equipment is on par with some of the top training centres in the UK.”

As well as funding from Sport Wales, Pembrokeshire Weightlifting has received substantial support from the WRU, the Scarlets, Dragon LNG, Haverfordwest Pool Foundation Trust, Port of Milford Haven, Weightlifting Wales, Haverfordwest Town and Sport Pembrokeshire.