MARIE Tudor-Murphy reckons Poole Amateur Rowing Club's success in 2016 has been inspired by Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave.

Tudor-Murphy and team-mates Megan Hill, Clare Rimmer, Lianne Clenton and cox Francesca Hill have secured the Junior Four Ladies' Hants and Dorset Championship by winning every race to date.

In all competitions, they have tasted victory in seven out of 13 regattas and Tudor-Murphy revealed how meeting Redgrave at a boat show in May had boosted her bid for glory.

"It was an absolute honour," she said. "At that point, we had only won the first regatta but as we were talking, I mentioned he was my inspiration to become a rower and that I really wanted my crew to win the championship.

"Sir Steve wished us the very best of luck and that was in my head on the day of each race. All the hard work has finally paid off and we can now call ourselves champions. It feels amazing."

Tudor-Murphy continued: "We couldn't have done it without our awesome coaches Kevin Keely and Ryan Dudley, who have been there every step of the way.

"We're very proud to be part of Poole Amateur Rowing Club and must thank club captain Pete Jacobs for giving us the opportunity to row the newest boat. All our club members are simply amazing

"The team has been overwhelmed by their tremendous support, along with that of our family and friends who have hardly seen us due to our dedication to training."

The next target for the ladies is the South Coast Championship held at Herne Bay Rowing Club, Kent, in September.