FORMER Hexham Queen Elizabeth High School pupil Matt Wells has picked up a medal at the World Rowing Championships.

Matt Durham and Durham’s Stephen Rowbotham won a bronze medal in the men's double sculls, behind France and Slovenia, on the Thames at Eton.

After a fast start it seemed to become two races – one for gold and silver, and one for the bronze.

But then the British pair made their move and took a lead on the chasing pack, gaining on the leading pair.

In the end Wells’ and Rowbotham's charge was good enough to take the bronze medals.

Matt Wells was happy with the result, and said: "We knew that if we stayed calm in the first 1000m, in the second 1000m we'd be one of the quickest crews.

"It just happened so well and it's great to finish on the podium."