STOURPORT oarsman Lewis Beech has rowed his way into Great Britain's elite squad for a training camp in Switzerland.

The 16-year-old Stourport High student has been in the Swiss region of Sarnen with his national team-mates this week.

Beech has been rowing since the age of 11 and has won more than 50 trophies during his time in the sport.

The highlight came earlier this year when he triumphed in the junior 16 category of the National Rowing Championship of Great Britain.

As a result he was chosen to represent Wales in the Home Countries International Regatta where he won a silver medal.

The call-up for this week's Great Britain training camp came after he finished in fourth place at last month's trials.

The squad will be given expert guidance and advice in preparation for the World Junior Champio-nships next year.

Beech, who is coached by former international oarsman Tim Dorrell at Stourport, trains six days a week.

His regime includes practice on the water, running, swimming, weight training and rowing machines after college and double sessions at weekends.

Headteacher Liz Quinn said Beech was delighted at the call-up.

"I am really pleased for him, wish him all the best for this venture and hope he continues to be very successful in the future," she added.