JUNIOR canoeists have excelled at a regional event.

Young paddlers from Worcester Canoe Club enjoyed success at a marathon race in Hereford.

With the youngest juniors competing over two miles to the most experienced racing over 12 miles, the club came away with a clutch of prizes, promotions and some fantastic performances from first and second-time racers.

Most notably, Jonny Tye, 12, and 13-year-old Stephanie Holmes both took first places with a clear lead in divisions nine and eight respectively against adults. Both produced good enough times to be promoted to division seven.

Michael Adair won the Under 10s race, with William Bird and Mathew Badham not far behind.

Emma Hawthorn finished fourth in the Under 12s, while Josh Wickens (fifth), Poppy Walter, Chloe Eliot and Eleanor Andrews put in good performances.

Competing for the first time in division nine, Simon Orme took third place, with daughter Hannah and Harriet Scott taking first and second junior girls.

First and thrid spots went to John Parker and Ben Holmes in division three.

In division five and six doubles, Andy Wood and James Parker maintained a clear lead to win, while Mike Fudger and Amber Vater battled it out for the runners-up position with Andy Nevitt and Sue Hawthorn, the latter pair taking second.

David Wood and Jayne Moran claimed third place in division seven and eight doubles, and in division three and four doubles, Mike Hawthorn and Simon Davies were third.

Although the points have not been calculated, it is expected Worcester will be the highest positioned club.

This weekend many competitors will be travelling to the National Watersports Centre at Nottingham for the National Sprint Championships.

Joining the team will be Laura and Claire Moran who, having recently missed selection for the Junior European Championships, will be competing for Under 18 medals.

Having already been members of the winning schools national cross-country championship team this year, the duo spent last weekend competing for a place in the final of the national schools heptathlon championships. Other hopefuls include Holmes and Wood in Under 16s boys.