By Kevin Redsull

The Moon rowing siblings from Deal, Hannah and Luke, are celebrating after they pulled off a gold medal double for Great Britain in the European Junior Championships at Vichy, France.

Eighteen-year-old Hannah won the girls’ 16-19 single sculls and Luke claimed the equivalent gold in the boys’ event, even though – at 16 years of age – he was one of the youngest competitors in the field.

And the duo, who live in The Marina, are now both embarking on exciting academic careers as a result of their sporting prowess.

Hannah, a former Sir Roger Manwoods School pupil, has won a four-year scholarship to the University of Texas in the USA while Luke has been offered full membership of Leander Rowing Club, whose members include Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, and whose headquarters are also at Henley.

Their father John, himself a former international rower, said: "The facilities at the University of Texas are unbelievable and it’s a wonderful opportunity for Hannah.

"Luke will be living in accomodation at the Leander Club while he is studying at Henley College. Leander don’t normally take on juniors but they have decided to make an exception.

See this week's East Kent Mercury for the full story.