LIFELONG friends triumphed at the fourth World Dwarf Games and brought home a world record 14 golds, five silvers and five bronze medals.

Andrew Martin, 18, from Lewisham, and Ollie Clarke, 18, from Chislehurst, have known each other all their lives.

They are delighted at their success in the games, which take place every four years and were held at Rambouillet, France.

Mr Martin, of Bexhill Road, said: "It was a good experience to be there and to see athletes from around the world.

"It was all part of the great experience."

The athletes, who have been training for eight years for the games, train with the South London Harriers at Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium.

Mr Martin, who is a student, proved he is an all-rounder by scooping gold medals in the 4x60m relay, the 4x100m relay, football, volleyball, 25m and 50m freestyle swimming and the 4x25m swimming relay.

He won also won silver medals for hockey, badminton and discus and bronze medals for the 100m and basketball.

Mr Clarke, of Woodside Avenue, who works at a supermarket, was also pleased with his medal haul.

He said: "Over the years I have been comparing my times to the winning men and I have always come out quite well.

"I thought I would win quite a few medals."

Mr Clarke won gold in the 60m, the 100m, the 4x60m relay, the 4x100m relay, volleyball, football and badminton.

He won also took home silver medals in javelin and hockey and bronze for table tennis, basketball and boccia, where players compete to land balls as close as possible to a jack.

Mr Clarke also got the new world record for the 60m race, with a time of 9.39 seconds.

South London Harriers athletics coach Phil Hartnett said: "Ollie and Andrew are exceptionally focused athletes who are a pleasure to coach.

"Their efforts in training are now paying off in the results they are achieving."

Athletes must be shorter than 4ft 10in to be able to participate in the games.