Holly Bleasdale sets British pole vault record

Holly Bleasdale became a strong contender for a world championships medal after breaking the British women's pole vault record by 10cm.

The 19-year-old is now ranked joint third in the world this year after clearing 4.70m in Mannheim - beating Kate Dennison's previous best of 4.60m.

"I knew heights like 4.70m were within me but I didn't think I could actually jump that high," she said.

The world championships begin in August in Daegu, South Korea.

The world junior bronze medallist is now the clear favourite for the European Under-23 Championships later in July.

Her new mark places her alongside European champion Svetlana Feofanova, world indoor champion Fabiana Murer this year and Martina Strutz, who won the event in Mannheim on countback, in the ranking list.

Poland's Anna Rogowska and Germany's Silke Spiegelburg lead the rankings having both cleared 4.75m this year.

"I had such a good day," added the Blackburn Harriers athlete.

"The weather conditions were perfect, it was a great atmosphere, I was feeling really great and running well and the technique I've been working on in training has finally been transferred into competition.

"I'm just so happy I can't even put it into words. I don't think it's even really hit me yet. I've been training so hard and it's great to know it's paying off."