Rower Vicky Thornley relishing Katherine Grainger link up

Vicky Thornley (left) beat Katherine Grainger in the single scull final at the GB trials in April

Welsh rower Vicky Thornley says she will learn a great deal from teaming up with London 2012 gold medallist Katherine Grainger.

Grainger will make her return to competitive rowing at the European Rowing Championships in Poland on 29-31 May.

The 39-year-old Scot will partner Thornley, 27, in the double sculls as part of Great Britain's 50-strong team.

"She knows what it takes to be the best," Thornley said.

"I'm trying to learn as much as I can from her and just enjoy developing a new boat and getting on with a new project."

Grainger took two years off from the sport after winning the double sculls with Anna Watkins in London.

She returned to training in September and has been paired with Thornley, who beat her in the single scull final at the GB trials in April.

"She's been to four Olympic Games and won countless medals," St Asaph-born Thornley said.

"In this boat class, the double sculls, she's obviously Olympic champion and knows the boat class.

"She feels she's still got something to give to the sport so it's great to have her back in the team and it's great to be in a boat with her."