WEIGHTLIFTER Mike Pyke is feeling just champion -- world champion!

The Leigh-born wheelchair wonder arrived back from Las Vegas on Tuesday night as newly-crowned international champ.

"I still can't believe it. I'm over the moon," said spina bifida sufferer Mike after taking on and beating the best in the USA.

He shrugged off the agony of an unsuccessful fusion operation which means he had his right ankle in plaster at Saturday's big showdown -- the World Powerlifting Championships.

He was a member of the winning British team which took five firsts.

He moved up a class to the 90 kilo weight group ("they didn't allow for the weight of my plaster"), pressing a personal best in competition lift of 140 kilos.

Mike, 33, normally competes in the 82 kilo class but ironically was classed in the category normally occupied by his late team mate and close friend, Dave Smith, who died in July.

Before leaving for the USA, Mike promised to go all out for glory in memory of his late Tyldesley pal who would have been competing for Britain.

In Saturday's event he wore Dave's weightlifting suit.

"I said Dave would be there with me and it certainly felt like two of us were lifting. I'm not superstitious but I believe Dave was watching over me," said Mike.

"Everything clicked in to place after some behind the scenes struggling.

"The team coach said he had never seen me lift like that before. I've now got my eyes on 150 kilos and the British championships and record in a few months time."

This weekend Mike is competing in the National Rotary Games and on Sunday night will be at Toff's night spot with his world championship trophy.

Leigh night club owner Dave Rowlands sponsored Mike's USA trip and on Sunday clubbers will show their appreciation of a great sporting champion.