TOM Ford, a former student at Grange School, has been rewarded for his performance during a trial with a place in Great Britain’s senior squad.

He will form part of a men’s eight for the first World Rowing Cup of a new season at Belgrade, in Serbia, next month.

The 24-year-old has twice competed in his country’s colours at a World Under 23s Championship, reaching the final – also in a men’s eight – on both occasions.

“The World Cup is a great place to test the water at the start of a new Olympiad,” said Sir David Tanner, performance director for British Rowing.

“While we know there is work to do in all areas of the team, I’m excited about the significant new talent that will be on show in Belgrade.”

Ford, along with Leander Club teammate Tim Clarke, ranked seventh overall in the men’s pair during a trial at Easter.

They are joined in the eight by Tom Ransley, a gold-medalist in the boat at last year’s Rio Olympics, who returns after injury.

Callum McBrierty, Cameron Buchan, Adam Neill, James Rudkin, Lance Tredell and cox Henry Fieldman complete the crew.

A 43-strong team will compete at a three-day regatta in Belgrade from Friday, May 5.