A HEREFORDSHIRE rower has next year's Olympic Games in her sights after claiming the Wingfield Sculls title.

Mathilda Hodgkins-Byrne, from St Weonards, won a thrilling race against Georgia Francis to win the prestigious event on the River Thames.

"My next trial is on December 19 at Caversham, then I am racing up until December 23," said Hodgkins-Byrne.

"I will then see if I have been invited for an Olympic trialsbecause, at the moment, I'm still in the Under-23s.

"My goal is to get to the trials, because they are the biggest ones.

"There are other trials in March and April, but it will be fantastic if I got to the Olympics."

Hodgkins-Byrne, who beat Francis by 20 seconds, said it was an honour to race in the elite event.

The race was umpired by Sir Steve Redgrave, a five-time Olympic gold medallist.

"I'm absolutely delighted because I didn't realise how big it was, it's on a par with the Henley Royal Regatta," said Hodgkins-Byrne.

"You have to apply for it before being allowed to race, so it's a very elite event.

"It's quite an honour to to be able to race in it."