Centenarian sets new world record for rowing

John Hodgson, from Cookridge, is a former cross-country runner who took up rowing at the tender age of 90 when he could no longer run competitively.

Since then he has competed at every British indoor rowing championships since 2001, with the exception of 2007 and 2008 following the death of his wife Bertha.

The championships are the world's biggest indoor rowing event, with about 3,000 entrants competing in different weight and age categories.

A spokesman said Mr Hodgson's time of 13:32.6 minutes was a new world record for the 100-plus age category.

Contestants set out to raise about 25,000 for Help for Heroes.

Olympians Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent have won titles at the event in the past.