A STUDENT from King Charles School with a talent for rowing has been in oar-some form.

Callum O'Reilly, who is a Year 10 student, teamed up with Sam Branford to win a silver medal at the National Rowing Championships.

The dynamic duo began their foray into winter competition with a convincing win at Worcester on Sunday, some 38 seconds ahead of their nearest opposition over the 4500 metre stretch.

O'Reilly , 15, battles with Type 1 Diabetes which presents some unique challenges for the youngster.

He said "I do not let diabetes get in my way or hold me back, I train hard to win. We all do at the club."

The youngster started rowing aged 11, at Bewdley RC, so knows winter training will be gruelling succession of running, weight and circuit training, combined with many cold hours on the river.

He moved to Stourport Boat Club eight months ago, to join fellow rower Branford.

He added: "I train alongside lots of talented rowers at Stourport which is fantastic, as we constantly push each other. It's tough but it's fun and I love the challenge."

To assist Callum with his training programme, King Charles’ PE Teacher, Rebecca Giddins forfeits two of her own lunch breaks to enable him to go into the fitness suite and train.