A NEAR-NOVICE oarswoman is starting to make a splash in the world of rowing.

Hazel Stainforth first took to a racing boat just three years ago, at the age of 50, encouraged by her rowing-mad daughter, Rebekah.

She soon joined Rebekah as a member of Durham Amateur Rowing Club, sometimes partnering her daughter in double sculls events.

But as 20-year-old Rebekah now rows for Imperial College, London, Hazel has become a dedicated single sculler in Durham.

She takes to the River Wear regularly, and at the weekend became British women's single sculls champion in the Veteran D classification, for competitors aged between 50 and 55, at the National Watersports Centre, Nottingham.

Hazel was ten seconds clear of her nearest rival by the end of the 1,000 metre course.

She said: "From never having touched a blade in my life three years ago, I'm now totally obsessed.

"I'm out on the river five or six times a week, and I can eat what I like because I have to keep filling up to provide the energy to row.

"Rebekah is over the moon with my success. She has really helped encourage me along the way."

Despite her success, Hazel has failed to convert her teenage son, Richard, or husband, Roger.

Hazel is now concentrating her efforts on further success at the Veteran Henley Regatta, over the famous course on the River Thames, next month.