KING'S School, Worcester, student Zac Purchase was the second fastest sculler in the first of a series of squad trials for Great Britain.

This performance puts him firmly in contention for a place in the junior GB team for the summer regatta series.

Puchase, whose 16th birthday is in February next year, was competing alongside the best juniors in the country, most of whom are two years his senior.

The only sculler to beat him was James Dunley from Dulwich College, London who is already the favourite to win the junior title at the National Schools' Regatta in May.

With wins at Worcester and Marlow this year, Purchase is improving each time he competes, according to Nick Maloney, master-in-charge of rowing at King's.

"I am delighted with Zac's success so far this year, but it is early days and he is remaining level-headed. He realises that there is still room for improvement and that patience is the key," said Mr Maloney.

With a tough training programme, and involvement in the school's music tour to Spain in February, Purchase, from Tewkesbury, is learning to manage his time between studying for his GCSEs and his other commitments.