FOR the second year running, World indoor rowing champion Anna Bailey of Hanley Swan, near Malvern, has broken the British marathon record for the 50-59 age group.

Both efforts have taken place in public for charity, in Bell Square in Worcester's Crowngate Shopping Centre.

The weather was ideal, rem-aining cloudy and quite cool for the day, with occasional showers.

This most recent attempt at the 42195 metre distance was on Saturday when not only did she knock nearly one minute 49 seconds off her own record from last year, but at two hours, 53 minutes, 16.3 seconds the new time was almost one minute and four seconds inside the fastest ever record marathon time achieved by a British woman, previously in the 30-39 age group and set four years ago.

No faster time has been logged worldwide by any woman in recent years, but because the distance is not done in formal competition, it cannot be classed as a World record.

Coach Eddie Fletcher of Evesham said how proud he was of the achievement, and des-cribed it as a tremendous row, one of a remarkable series of recent longer distance rowing records.

He stated how well deserved it was in view of the staggering amount of work put into training.

It was a triple celebration for Eddie, who became a grandfather for the first time only three days earlier to identical twin girls Lucy and Courtney.

Anna is looking now forward to a few weeks rest before training starts for next season.

She says she has no plans for any further marathons in the foreseeable future.

"The pain lasts for several days, and the memory of it lasts a lot longer! I'm just glad to get it over with and that I was able to raise some cash in the process for a good cause."

The row was done in aid of the Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust, the aim of which is to improve and enhance the quality of children's lives, particularly in relation to medical, social educational and economic needs.

The Trust provides funding for individuals, small charities and groups to encourage their development and to help with the provision of facilities with a particular focus on improving opportunities for young people in their communities.

Established in 2001 by five times Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave, the Trust is an independent national charity aiming to raise and distribute over £5million in grants.