A TALENTED rower is due to compete in the largest regatta for juniors in Great Britain.

Isabel Cain, of Hexham, will form part of a quad at the National Schools' Regatta at Lake Dorney on May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Year 10 pupil from Dame Allan's Girls' School, where rowing is now offered to all pupils, has rowed at Hexham Rowing Club since she was 12 years old. She is now on the GB women's rowing development pathway.

In July, Isabel intends to compete at the British Rowing Junior Championships, where last summer, her quad achieved gold medal success. She also hopes to be entered into the Under 16 GB trials at the end of the year.

She explained: "What I love about rowing is the teamwork – it’s always fun training and competing with a fantastic group of like-minded rowers.

“I’m so glad that Dame Allan’s has introduced rowing seriously so others can have the opportunity to experience just how fantastic it is out on the water.”

Isabel was also one of several pupils to represent her school at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships in Leeds in March.

In late June, Dame Allans' school hope to hold its first regatta on the Tyne at Newburn.

Phil Wildsmith, the school's director of co-curriculum, said: “We have forged strong links with Tyne United Rowing Club and want pupils to experience rowing on one of the best tidal rivers in the country, while receiving professional coaching and, most importantly, having fun.”