A former military man who recently beat cancer has another cause for celebration after taking second place at the British Indoor Rowing Championships, run by Concept2.

Father of four Gary Scott, aged 47 and of Wyke, near Bradford, finished second in the competition with a time of six minutes and 19.8 sec over 2,000 metres on an indoor rowing machine.

Mr Scott says he "couldn't believe it" when he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, reports the Telegraph & Argus.

He is currently in remission and, since his diagnosis, has discovered a new love: indoor rowing.

Members of Mr Scott's local fitness training club suggested he enter the British Indoor Rowing Championships after he won a rowing tournament organised by the gym.

Now, following his success, Mr Scott hopes to encourage his 13-year-old son to triumph at the National Junior Championships.

Physical exercise such as indoor rowing has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of many cancers.