SECONDARY schools across the town teamed up to launch a unique rowing project called Oarsome Progress and they are aiming for nothing short of Olympic glory.

Seventy-two pupils aged 13 to 14 proved they have got what it takes to race against established school rowing teams after storming through the selection process, which included tests to measure power and endurance.

The idea caught the attention of British Rowing, the organisation representing Olympic rowers, which has agreed to fund a coach for two years.

Ben Dunne, principal at Penketh High School, helped set up the project and said: “We are looking to pick youngsters that are going to be successful, it’s a talent spotting exercise as well.

“We are trying to break down the image of rowing – it is a fabulous sport but it does have this elitist reputation which is ridiculous. It’s the most amazing sport.

“It’s a confidence thing as well. At the start of the tests they were a bit shy but by the end they were loving it.”

Coach Phil Lyons, 23, will be training the youngsters out on the water at Warrington Rowing Club during school hours.

Boys and girls from Great Sankey, Penketh, Birchwood, Bridgewater, Sir Thomas Boteler, Cardinal Newman, University Academy and Beamont Collegiate make up the 16 crews.

Mr Dunne hopes pupils will eventually take their spot at the start line in national races but he also believes rowing can give disadvantaged young people a brighter future.

“It requires resilience and dedication. That focus and learning those skills is a really good thing. It’s very addictive.

“This project shows how much Warrington schools care about their pupils and how much they want them to be successful. It’s made possible because of the close relationships between schools in this town – we work together to achieve things.”