AN athlete from the North-East has won a place in the World Triathlon Championships to be held in Madeira next year.

Mother-of-two Jo-Anne Short first tried triathlon two years ago and has already won many regional and national competitions.

The 40-year-old from Darlington reached the world championships after success in a qualifying event in Salford earlier this year.

Mrs Short, a single mother who combines a rigorous training regime of running, swimming and cycling with bringing up her two children, aged six and nine, needs sponsorship to buy her kit, travel and accommodation when she joins the Great Britain team in Madeira in May.

She will be competing in the 40-45 age group championships.

Training includes swimming for an hour-and-a-half three times a week, running up to 10km four times a week, and cycling 30 miles about three times a week, with exercise bike training on top.

Mrs Short said: "I couldn't believe it when I qualified. I have run for the Darlington Harriers for years and I ran for Scotland in the World Cross Country trials but I had always wanted to do triathlon.

"It is a lot of training and it can be hard fitting it in around work and the children, but if you really want to do something you will find a way."

Anyone wanting to help Mrs Short towards the £1,000 she needs in sponsorship can phone (01325) 244191 or (01325) 350200.