A CHAMPION Strongwoman from North Wales is celebrating the overwhelming success of her new gym in Llangollen.

In 2021, Jemma 'Stubbs' Stubbington became the first Welsh woman to win the title of Britain’s Strongest Woman.

She has just recently opened the new ‘Stubbs Strength and Performance Centre’ at the picturesque, riverside Mile End Mill on the outskirts of Llangollen.

Since moving from her much smaller studio gym two months ago, the 35-year-old two-time Guinness world record holder has seen a huge surge in interest, with the number of gym users already having more than quadrupled.

Jemma, who is originally from the Wirral but has lived in Llangollen for 15 years, said: “We’ve had such a heart-warming response to the new facility. People from all walks of life have joined us, from youngsters to professional athletes to older people who just want to be able to lift their grandchildren without injuring themselves.

“We have daily classes, boot camp at 6am is particularly popular and a great way to start the day but also the evening sessions have been very busy."

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The new facility has been a “labour of love” for Jemma and her husband Philip, who enlisted the help of friends and family to renovate the space in the historic building.

Jemma said: "Philip and I worked day and night with some of our fantastic friends to put it all together. It’s such a fantastic space and we’ve had so many compliments from members and visitors alike.

“We’ve installed a wealth of state-of-the-art equipment, everything you might need to build strength and improve fitness.

The Leader: PIC: Jemma Stubbington (centre) and her fellow trainers at the new Stubbs Strength and Performance Centre.

“We’re also looking to hold various events in the new year to engage the local community and encourage people to improve their fitness which we’re really excited about.”

Having taken a break from competition to concentrate on setting up the new facility, Jemma herself has renewed her training with the aim of regaining her titles of Wales’ and Britain’s Strongest Woman in 2024.

“I’ll be competing in a lower weight category,” she added. “I’m already back into intense training as female strength sports have grown so much in recent years so it’s a much tougher competition.

“I’m also hoping to come up against some of my own coached athletes at Wales’ Strongest Woman which is really exciting.”