rower Katherine Grainger and partner Anna Watkins smashed a 20-year Olympic record by almost five seconds as they qualified for the final of the women's double scull .

For Katherine, 36, from Bearsden, near Glasgow, it means another chance to win a gold medal after three successive Olympic silvers.

The pair cruised down the last 250 metres of the Eton Dorney course in a time of 6mins, 44.33 secs as 23,000 people cheered them on.

The double world champs are now unbeaten in 22 races since coming together two years ago.

Katherine said: "This has to be one of the best days I have ever experienced in rowing – and it is only a heat.

"It is so satisfying putting in a good performance in a home Olympics. This is the one we want more than anything."