Isle of Wight grandmother Paddy Rouse is preparing to defend her world title at the World Indoor Rowing Championship in Boston, USA, on 25th February.

Paddy, 72, from Ventnor, will be aiming to repeat last year's success in the women's 70-plus heavyweight category.

The grandmother of 22 earned her place on the British team following a record-breaking row last November at the British championships, rowing 2,000 metres in nine minutes three seconds.

"Winning gold at national and international level has been fantastic, and I'm training five days a week to make sure I will be at my very best on the day," she said. The World Indoor Rowing Championship takes place at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Track in Boston, and is expected to attract more than 2,000 competitors.