THREE talented youngsters from a Vale school have all been chosen to represent their country in events across Europe.

The three, all students at Pershore High School, have encountered varying degrees of success.

Oarsman Gareth Hunt represented his country in the Under-18s C1 class in Sobeka, Belgium.

Although he finished in fourth place in the 5,000m, he won bronze in the 1,000m and picked up silver in the 500m race.

The 16-year-old, who trains with Fladbury Canoe Club, is hoping to pick up gold in the same contest next year.

Another Pershore pupil has had success on the athletics field, running away with a top honour in the disabled European Athletics Championships.

Katrina Hart, 15, came third in the 100 metres final in Helsinki, and is now hoping for a place in the British paralympic team for Beijing in 2006.

Her mum Celia said: "I was astounded when she came third in Helsinki because she didn't start well. She goes all over the country with training and competitions and although she has difficulties she is determined to get to Beijing and then London in 2012".

And a young Pershore canoeist is following in her brother's footsteps by being chosen to represent Great Britain in the Loire Marathon.

Stephanie Holmes, 13, headed off to France yesterday to take part in the race with her K2 partner Laura Ferguson.

Both girls are members of Worcester Canoe Club and are part of a 15 strong British team competing against teams from across Europe.

Stephanie, a pupil at Pershore High School, has been canoeing for three years and has recently competed in a sprint race in Belgium.

She much to live up to in France for last year her brother Ben won the U16 gold medal in the same race with his K2 partner Ben Haines and two years earlier the pair won the U14 section. As she prepared for the race, which will be held on Sunday at Angers, Stephanie said she was looking forward to the challenge.