Some local youngsters have enjoyed a remarkable weekend of competitive success on the water, both at home and abroad.

International kayak star Ben Parfitt, a sixth-form student at Hampton School, spent the weekend representing Great Britain at the Piestany Regatta in Slovakia.

Ben took the silver medal in the 1,000 metres, and gained a top-four finish in two other events.

Ben looks a good bet for success in the 2012 Olympics, when the kayaking event will be held in Stratford, East London.

Meanwhile Hampton School's junior rowing teams were sweeping all before them at the Poplar Regatta in the East End.

The Under-14 team won their final, while the Under-15 boys won their own age-group and the one above.

They were awarded the Victor Ludorum Trophy after wins over Latymer Upper School and Eton College.

Hampton's senior rowing crew were in Belgium, competing in the Gent International Regatta.

First, international prospects Francis Highton and Nick Fulton won a silver medal in the Under-16 Pairs behind the Turkish national crew.

Then the school's First Eight dominated their race to win the Under-18 Eights by a comfortable margin.

"It was a brilliant weekend," said Simon Croucher, Hampton School Head of Rowing. "The whole club is now looking forward to the National Schools' Regatta in Nottingham in two weeks' time.

"We shall be looking forward to build on this weekend's work, and bring our season to a successful climax in the school's 450th year."