FORMER Grange School student Emily Ford was a race-winner twice while wearing Great Britain’s colours during the International Huegel Regatta in Germany at the weekend.

The 20-year-old was part of a women’s four that picked up wins in two different combinations on the water at Essen, though Ford – and Sam Courty from University of Bath – was in the boat on both occasions.

Now a member of Newcastle University Boat Club, where she is ladies’ captain, Ford hopes to have impressed selectors for Britain’s team at the world under 23s championships this summer.

“We had a very good regatta,” said Sir David Tanner, performance director for GB Rowing.

“For our under 23s, it was about immersing them in a challenging environment because we don’t have that depth of competition at home.”

Graham Jump, head coach of the Hartford school’s rowing club, has kept an eye on Ford’s progress since she left for the north east.

He said: “Em became an integral part of the club during her time with us, not only through her outstanding performance but also for her willingness to help and inspire our younger members.

“It’s wonderful to hear of her continued success.”

This year’s World Under 23s Rowing Championships is scheduled for July in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.