UNIVERSITY of Worcester student Phoebe Pine has set a new archery world record.

The Great Britain competitor, who was born with spina bifida, holds the highest score in the world set from an 18-metre distance by a woman in her compound open disability classification.

At a World Cup Stages event in Nimes, France, she got 562 out of a possible 600 points from shooting 60 arrows.

Now Pine’s sights are set on a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

“It’s very much the challenge I like,” said the 20-year-old of Cirencester who is in the first year of a sports studies degree in Worcester.

“I shot this score which is great but it’s now about adding 10 points onto it.

"You’re always striving to be as good as you can be. There’s never a point where you think that’s it you’ve perfected it. That’s why I love the sport so much.”

Pine rose from a total novice when she picked up a bow and arrow at 14 on a family holiday to a World Championships silver medallist.

“I tried it and just wanted to carry on doing it really,” said Pine whose condition affects her lower body, ability to walk and balance.

“It was a horrible first attempt and I remember thinking I can’t hit a barn door but I really liked it. I think I just felt comfortable doing it.”

A few days later she signed up to the beginners’ course at Cirencester's Deer Park Archers Club where she still trains.

Two years on Pine was scouted and joined the Great Britain academy.

She has been competing internationally since, most recently in Dubai.

Pine, who is supported by the university’s sports scholarship programme. is preparing for the European Para Archery Championships in August and next year’s World Championships.

She trains at the GB Archery National Centre in Telford, her club and at home in the garden.