NEIL Pickup proved there is still life in the old dog yet after winning two British arm wrestling titles and picking up his first World Championship medal for eight years.

The Blackburn puller, now aged 40, battled back from a three month injury lay-off to win on both his right and his left arm at the British Championships in Preston.

Incredibly, it took his total of national titles beyond the 30 mark – a precise total he doesn’t even know himself.

But more impressive was winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in Lithuania – his first medal since winning silver in 2006.

Pickup, who won the world title in 2001 and 2002 and is a three-time European champion, said he was delighted to get back on the podium on the biggest stage of all.

“It was more comforting than anything else,” he said. “It proves that I can still compete at this level.” Pickup, who had hinted that he might move up to the Masters category, had a change of heart following a successful end to last season which he continued this year before injured ruled him out.

Now he wants to have another shot at a world title in Malaysia next year.

“Stepping down from top level arm wrestling was something I thought about but I had a really good end to last season and did really well in the Arm Wars Series in Germany and the O2 Arena in London earlier in the year before I picked up the injury,” he added.

“I decided to have a complete rest then comeback and give it a go. I wasn’t really table reading at the British Championships and was a bit rusty but I was really pleased with my performance in Lithuania.

“I didn’t think I could win it, the champion was a worthy winner but I do think the silver was there for the taking and I just missed out.

“So my aim is to have another shot at the World Championships in Malaysia next year and go for that silver medal or even better.

“Then perhaps I might call it a day and move on up to the Masters.”