MICHELLE Houghton wowed a crowd of more than 7,000 by winning a bronze medal at the 2005 British Indoor Rowing Championship.

The 40-year-old from Eynsford raced in the women's 40-44 heavyweight category at the event held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

Her time of seven minutes 35.8 seconds was 0.7 seconds ahead of fourth spot and 37.6 seconds off gold position.

More than 3,000 competitors raced at the event with ages ranging from 10-year-old rowing novices to a 95- year-old World War Two veteran.

The event was also represented by a massive cross-section of sports from runners and tri-athletes to boxers, weight lifters and rugby players.

There was a special race between the Oxford and Cambridge rowing crews with the latter triumphant.

The event saw a large number of youngsters from Birmingham's inner city schools race as part of the Sir Steve Redgrave Challenge.

The project is designed to encourage more children to exercise and stay healthy through indoor rowing and so far has proved popular.

Sir Steve, patron of the British Indoor Rowing Championship, said: "What is great about the event this year, on its 15th anniversary, is the fact so many young people took part, many undertaking their first ever competitive race.

"It bodes well for rowing in this country and indeed suggests many more schools are beginning to take their youngsters health and fitness seriously."

For the full results and reports visit the British Indoor Rowing Championship website at concept2.co.uk/birc