A STUDENT is celebrating after winning gold and silver medals while representing Great Britain at rowing in Italy.

Frances Fletcher, 18, of Park Road Central, Chester-le-Street, has returned from Ravenna, where she won the medals in the quadruple sculls.

Frances attends the town's Park View Community School, where she is about to begin the final year of sixth form, studying chemistry, biology and sports science.

A rower for four years, she had won about 100 trophies by the summer of 2003, competing at regattas nationwide.

In 2002, she was presented with a Young Achievers' Award by Chester-le-Street District Council in recognition of her rowing achievements.

At the national rowing championships of summer 2003, she won a bronze medal in the single scull and a silver medal in a double scull event.

Her mother, Rose Fletcher, said: "Frances has been able to organise her training schedule around her school work, supported by the staff at Park View School, Chester-le-Street, who have allowed her to take off the time needed.

"All of the trials and important events are held in the south of England, and the numbers of northern athletes achieving excellence are relatively small."

Mr Fletcher said the Tyne Rowing Club had also been supportive.