Veteran Thornbury fencer Caron Hale has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Veterans Fencing Championships later this year.

The 59-year-old, who trains at Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre, recently won the Veterans British Nationals and secured her place on the British team for her seventh World Championships in ten years.

Hale will be one of just four to represent Britain in her category at the Championships, which will take place in Italy in October.

Success on the court has come as a surprise for Thornbury’s fencing champion after a challenging season training with the British School of Fencing Excellence.

After all her hard work, Hale was delighted to be selected. She said: “With such great fencing talent in the UK, it’s hard to predict how you’ll perform at national competitions so winning the British Veterans Nationals and then qualifying for the World Championships has been incredible.

“It’s been a busy couple of months as I’ve been training with younger and faster fencers to help build my fitness. Now I’m looking forward to getting as much training in as possible before the World Championships!”

In the run-up to the Championships, Caron will be training intensively with the help of main coach Joe Pearce and Andy Martin.

Luke Newman, Centre Manager at Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre, added: “It’s been fantastic to follow Caron’s remarkable fencing journey over the years and we’re proud to support her as prepares for her seventh turn at the World Veterans Fencing Championship.

“Caron’s hard work and ambition has definitely paid off. We’re pleased to be able to support anyone looking to join a sport at any level and would encourage them to come to the centre and give it a go.”