An avid swimmer is hoping to overcome her "inner saboteur" after getting a prized place in an open water race.

Frances Butler, 56, from Tottenham, was one of just seven women from across the country to take part in the Henley Mile, on the River Thames.

Ms Butler will now spend the next three months training as well as blogging about her ups and downs as the big day draws closer.

She said: “When it comes to challenging myself; my inner saboteur speaks up – the little voice persuades me not to try because it’s too hard and I’ll fail anyway. The thing is, those challenges are always the ones that would lead to me having serious fun.” 

“I aim to banish my inner saboteur forever, when, with a huge grin on my face I’ll look back at the Henley course and say ‘I did it, for myself and I had fun’.”

Follow the 56-year-old’s progress by clicking here.