Octogenarian fencer Connie Adam has returned from competing in the veterans' championships in Bulgaria where she picked up a bronze medal in the over-70s team sabre category and came eighth overall in the individuals category.

The 85-year-old, from The Avenues, Norwich, is now looking to qualify for the world championships in Mauritius next year.

Earlier this year, Mrs Adam warned that she might struggle to continue her winning ways, because of new charges that applied to taking bags on board flights. It now costs her £50 each way to take her fencing equipment bag on flights.

As she does not receive any funding, community leader and former Norwich mayor Roy Blower set up the Connie Adam Sporting Fund to support her, and he said £880 had already been raised to enable her to compete around the world.

That includes donations of £250 each from Moss and Roberts solicitors in Long Stratton and RJL IFA financial advisers in Eaton, Norwich.

Mr Blower said: 'I would like to thank everybody who has contributed towards that money to help Connie continue on her journey.

'It costs a lot of money for her to travel abroad and her equipment is also very expensive – for example, a facemask costs about £120.'

Mrs Adam said she was very grateful, but added that if she qualified to compete in Mauritius it would be a very expensive trip.

She added: 'There are some competitions before that, including the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Largs in Scotland.'

Mrs Adam only took up the sport when she retired at 60, but earlier this year, she won two bronze medals at the European veterans' championships in Terni in Italy.

She came third in the over-70s category in sabre and epee, and beat off competition from about 1,300 other competitors, most of whom were more than a decade younger than her.

Last year, Mrs Adam was selected to carry the Olympic torch through Norwich.

She has won several European and Commonwealth titles and more than 100 competitive medals during her long and illustrious career.

Anyone interested in helping her should call Mr Blower on 01603 452557.