James Cartwright from the Forest of Dean has been crowned European champion after a landmark win for British rowing.

The Hartpury College A-level student, who lives in Churcham, struck gold alongside crewmate Jake Offiler in the double sculls final at the European Rowing Junior Championships.

It is the first time that Britain has ever won a medal at the championships.

Cartwright, who is on the British Rowing World Class Start Programme at Hartpury, and Offiler came home 0.28 seconds ahead of runners-up Italy.

The duo were both coached for the championships in Northern France by Ben Jackson, FE Lead Coach of the Gloucester Hartpury Rowing Programme.

“They’ve both worked extremely hard in preparation for the championships and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them – it’s a very special achievement,” said Jackson.

“They showed some very mature racing going into the final under pressure as favourites having won both their heat and their semi-final. Their determination and desire to win carried them through the last 250 metres.

“Their success is a reflection of their talent and unwavering commitment, and it bodes well for their selection for major competitions in the future, especially as they’d only trained three times together before the championships.”

Rhiannon Morgan, also an A-level student at Hartpury, finished fifth in the B final of the girls’ double sculls at the European Rowing Junior Championships, gaining valuable international experience heading into the rest of the season.