By Brian Gomm

JUST days after winning the world championship, powerlifter Mike Pyke gave away his trophy!

But it's gone to the best possible home.

Leigh-born wheelchair strongman Mike, who lives in Hindsford, has given his trophy to the parents of his late, great buddy Dave Smith.

Mike's fellow wheelchair weightlifting international Dave sadly died in summer, or he'd most likely have been with the British team which conquered Las Vegas.

After beating the world's best in the USA, competing with his ankle in plaster because a fusion operation failed to heal, Mike handed his world's best plaque to Audrey and Leo Smith of Heathfield Drive, Tyldesley.

In an emotional moment Mike, who competed in the USA international wearing Dave's lifting suit, handed the trophy to Dave's parents.

"It will have pride of place in our new home," said a proud Mrs Smith.

The couple moved to their bungalow home to better cater for Dave's disability. Now they are moving back to Tyldesley town centre.

Mr Smith assured Mike they would continue to keep a watchful eye on his progress and would hopefully be rooting for him at the 2004 Olympics.

Busy Mike, 33, was VIP at Toff's nightclub in Leigh at the weekend where, fresh from competing in the National Rotary Games where his team won the weightlifting section, he thanked sponsor and Toff's boss Dave Rowlands.

Dave sponsored Mike's USA trip, which was also backed by Mr and Mrs Smith with money raised in their son's memory.

Mr Smith said: "We hope this will encourage others to sponsor a real local champion."