ELLIE Cushen, from Northwich Rowing Club, has been asked to lead England's junior girls at next week's Home International Regatta.

The teenager was a victor in a single scull at last year's event in Ireland and will compete in the same boat class at Strathclyde Park in Glasgow on Saturday.

"She is one of a number of returners to the team and will no doubt give others the benefit of her experience," said Tim Liversage, England's team manager.

A student at Sir John Deane's College, Cushen was invited to a four-day camp last week to decide which youngsters would be selected for Great Britain's team at the World Rowing Junior Championships next month.

She did not make the cut, but instead is one of more than 70 rowers selected to represent the national team in Scotland.

The junior women, who claimed first prize after collecting more points than rivals from Ireland, Scotland and Wales last time out, will contest seven events.

Liversage added: "The competition this year will be more exciting than ever."

Cushen will be joined next week by clubmate Gwilym Harris, who races a single for Wales' junior men's team after topping the standings in a time trial.

Meanwhile Northwich duo Kiera Burke and Zara Gautier-Price form a Welsh junior women's double scull.