A FITNESS centre in Northwich is hoping to become home to a new national competition.

Movement Performance Academy, on Denton Drive, hosted the Girevoy Sports Union (GSU) English Kettlebell Open last Saturday, attracting a field of more than 60 athletes.

On Sunday, the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (IKFF) held a pentathlon at the same venue.

“They were a huge success,” said Paul Connor, a trainer at the gym.

“We had over 100 entries between both events, which is a fantastic response.

“It took a lot of time and effort to get the studio ready, but it was worth it.”

Kettlebell is a lifting sport performed with a kettlebell – a cast-iron ball-shaped weight with a handle.

Competitions often require entrants to perform one (or a combination) of three lifts; a snatch, jerk or long cycle.

Connor told the Guardian he is looking forward to another opportunity to act as host.

“Its early days, but we’d love to have them here again next year,” he added.

“The two bodies haven’t combined competitions like this before, and I’d like to think it won’t be the last time.”