Essex's Eve Bailey is celebrating this week after winning a European Archery Championship title.

Eve, 43, from Chelmsford, beat off the challenge of 12 other competitors in the week long championships at Linlithgow, near Edinburgh, to become the Ladies Unlimited European Field Archery Champion.

She also shot an equal world record on the Wednesday with a maximum 560 points.

Eve, whose husband Jim came sixth in the Mens European Championship, said: ''I am delighted to have won the European title and my next aim is to win a medal at the World Championships, which are being held in Scotland in 2002.''

Eve joined the Panther Bow Hunters Club in Galleywood when she moved down to Essex from Scotland in 1996.

Her European title capped a memorable year, as in June, she won the All British and Open FITA Field Championship and her most recent success was made all the sweeter as she was placed second in the previous two European Championships.

She has also twice been the English National Champion.

Eve expressed her gratitude to Fitness First of Chelmsford, who have provided her with some sponsorship, and if any other business may be interested in assisting her with sponsorship, Eve can be contacted on 07944 090512.

Take a bow: Chelmsford's Eve Bailey, who is the new Ladies Unlimited European Field Archery champion.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.