RACHEL Hooper, captain at Northwich Rowing Club, returned to racing for the first time in more than a decade at the weekend.

A former member of Great Britain’s squad, she helped a women’s masters C quad to a class victory at Runcorn’s Spring Eights Head.

Elaine Young, Carole Riddell and Clare Briegal joined her in the boat, completing a 6km course on a stretch of the River Weaver in 23:51.1.

“It was great to be out racing again but it felt like a long way,” said Hooper.

“I loved being out on the water again though with some great women.”

Three other crews from Northwich took part, including a men’s IM2 coxed four that was second quickest in its category.

The women’s senior eight timed 22:51.9 in their final outing before this Saturday’s Head of the River race in London.