TWO pupils from LVS Ascot school followed in the footsteps of some of Britain’s top oarsmen on Sunday when claiming silverware at the prestigious Dorney Lake, venue for the London 2012 Olympic rowing events.

Jay Carmody, 14, and Romario Ferreira, 15, represented the all-ability day and boarding school in the J16 doubles at the Ball Cup National Regatta, a prestigious schools rowing event.

They walked away with silver medals – the first time LVS has achieved such a feat – which highlighted the increasing strength of the school’s boat club.

Carmody, who last year finished fourth in Britain amongst Year 9 boys at the British Rowing Indoor Championships, missing out on a medal by just one metre, competed against older competitors on Sunday.

He and Ferreira were only defeated by Magdalen College Oxford, one of the leading schools in the country.

LVS Ascot’s squad train regularly on the River Thames and compliment their practice sessions by utilising on-site facilities at school including a gym and wide range of rowing machines.

The result is a flourishing boat club boasting pupils from Year 7 to Year 13.

LVS Ascot Head of Rowing, James Skeels, beamed: “This is a great result for the growing rowing programme at LVS Ascot.

“I am so pleased the hard work and determination of the boys in this crew has been rewarded with medals.

“The races were fantastic and had a real Olympic regatta feel to them.

“We seek to maximise the benefits of outdoor education at LVS Ascot and our rowing programme is helping achieve that.

“This success will also inspire more pupils to get involved and seek to emulate Jay and Romario.”