A GIRL who started canoeing when she was seven has become a national kayaking champion.

Twelve-year-old Bront? Holden won the 12-and-under K1 National Marathon Four-Mile title in Norwich.

The annual event sees canoe clubs from all over the UK compete in races which are held throughout the year on rivers, lakes, canals and estuaries over a range of distances.

Bront?, who attends Fowey Community College, began canoeing at the Fowey River Canoe Club in Golant after she showed a real interest in taking up the sport and trains four times a week.

Coach Brian Greenaway said: 'Bront? has always shown great potential, and with her dedication and hours spent on the River Fowey, her technique is improving all the time.'

Headteacher John Perr said: 'We couldn't be more delighted for Bront?. To have a national champion in our student body is great news.'