HE’S got 20 years on the competition, but a Wantage grandad is beating young weightlifters at their own game.

This time last year, Steve Ellwood amazed younger competitors by defeating more than 400 of them in a weightlifting contest.

The window cleaner has done it again this year, despite being the only contestant over the age of 30.

Mr Ellwood, 51, lifted two 20kg dumbbells more than 350 times in 25 minutes to win the Dragan Challenge again at Birmingham NEC on Friday, May 18.

He said: “They all thought I was past it. But I’m still in shape. I’ve been training for this ever since last year.”

At last year’s competition the part-time personal trainer from Park View, Garston Lane, lifted 16kg dumbbells more than 850 times in 50 minutes to be crowned the national endurance lifting champion.

He said: “It was tougher this time. The weights were heavier and the lights felt even hotter. But it’s one of those things. I must have a genetic ability.

“I’m never going to win a strong man competition but this I can.”

He added: “There was a big crowd there. They were quite amazed when they saw it.

“It felt great. I’m proud of myself and I’ll be doing it next year hoping for the hat-trick.”

Mr Ellwood has been lifting weights since he was 11 after his dad bought him a chest expander.

Wife Sandy said his family were proud of him.

She added: “He won again but they really didn’t expect it. It was quite a shock.

“We are absolutely amazed. He has worked so hard. For his age he is very fit.”

The first time he took part three years ago he came second.

Dragan Radovic, the 63-year-old founder of the Maximuscle Dragan Challenge, said: “Endurance dumbbell lifting is about having a strong heart as well as powerful upper body muscles.”

As well as the title, Mr Ellwood won an exercise bag, £150 worth of supplements, and six months free membership to a gym.