Club 'ecstatic' at Tees rower Kat Copeland's Olympic gold

Members of Olympic gold winner Kat Copeland's rowing club on Teesside said they were "ecstatic" at her win.

They gathered at the Devonport Hotel, in Middleton St George, Darlington, to watch her and Sophie Hosking triumph in the women's double sculls.

Teesside Rowing Club captain Steven Leigh said Miss Copeland "had done them proud."

The rower from Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, began her sport at the age of 14 at Yarm School.

Mr Leigh said: "We were just ecstatic. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic.

"We've gathered at the local pub and it has been a great occasion. She has done us so proud and we have given her some great support.

"She's such a smashing lass and she deserves everything she's achieved because she's worked so hard.

"She's such a solid member of this club. Her feet are firmly on the floor, she doesn't play the superstar at all. We are so, so pleased."

John Green, fellow-member of Tees Rowing Club, said: "I could not possibly be prouder of her. What a great athlete and stunning performance.

"This is a great achievement for Stockton and Yarm School where she started her sport, but also for the whole of Teesside."