HOLLY Bradshaw booked her place in the final of the pole vault at the Rio Olympics in comfortable fashion.

The Blackburn Harrier cleared the automatic qualification height of 4.60m at the first time of asking to book a spot in the final which takes place in the early hours of Saturday morning, starting at approximately 12.30am.

Bradshaw, from Chorley, opened up with a first time clearance of 4.50m and although she took two attempts to get over 4.55m, the 24-year-old responded well to qualify.

She said: "I have been feeling really good recently," said Bradshaw.

"I came here in my best shape. I had a load of fun out there.

"My warm up was a little bit rocky but then I just got into the competition and just loved it.

"I've been training very well this year and been struggling in competition so I was a bit nervous but things are starting to come together."

The UK champion was sixth in the Olympic final at London 2012 and she believes the past four years have seen her grow as an athlete.

She added: "I had only been in the spot for four years (prior to London). I have learnt a lot and I am much more mature now. I am in my second Olympic final and I just cant wait."