Little finger weightlifter still pumping iron at 80

An man who once attempted to break records by lifting weights with his little finger has told how pumping iron during advert breaks in television programmes has helped him continue to stay fit at the age of 80.

Harry Kay, from Preesall, Lancashire, started lifting when he was 15 and said the first time he heard iron plates clanging together sparked a lifelong passion.

In the 1980s, he caught the attention of the BBC and Guinness World Records with his ability to lift 56lb (25kg) using his little finger 21 times.

Despite taking a short break from training, Kay is lifting weights again at home.

"Back when I was young, I used anything for weights," Kay said.

"A friend of mine got a set and when I heard the iron plates clinking against each other it was like an adrenaline shot because I always wanted to use a proper set of weights."

Kay continued weight training until he heard about a local farmer who had managed to lift a 56lb weight with his little finger three or four times.

That was when Kay's mission changed.

"I wanted to have a go at it and so I joined a group called Strength Incorporated and worked to get better at it."

But things took an interesting turn when Kay's niece wrote a letter to the BBC show Blue Peter in 1980 after watching someone on the television lift a weight with their little finger 10 times.

Kay said: "At that particular time, I was doing it 21 times, and my niece told them so, but the show was off air for a while and so the contest never came off."

Judging by the letters he received afterwards, he had clearly made an impression, but no record followed and, as Kay puts it, he "missed his chance of getting famous".

Now in his 80s, he believes strength training has helped him stay fit and healthy.

He said he still used television advert breaks to fit in a few repetitions.

"It's helped so much and I've been told I don't look my age," he said.

"I used to be 17 stone when I was powerlifting, but now I'm down to 13 stone and I've got rid of my high blood pressure. I only have a bit of joint pain now."

He also had words of encouragement for people his age who have given up on exercise.

"A lot of 80-year-olds go swimming or cycling, so there's no difference with lifting weights.

"It's brilliant. It makes you feel good when you've finished, and it does a lot for your health."

His advice to anyone considering taking up weightlifting?

"Just give it a try because you've got nothing to lose."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.