Oxford's Neal Mallett (pictured) was the only reigning veterans champion to retain his title when he won the British men’s epee championship for the fourth time in Gloucester.

The championships, which are open to all fencers over the age of 40, is two rounds of poules, in which groups of six fence each other, followed by direct elimination.

It involves scoring ten hits within six minutes with a minute rest after three minutes.

After the poules, Mallett, 52, emerged as No 3 seed in the 50-strong event.

Four victories saw Mallett reach the final where he met the No 1 seed Anton Pollard.

Trailing 6-3, he fought back to equalise as time expired and in the final minute of extra time, scored with a riposte to retain his crown.