Rebecca Stevens, the first woman to climb Mount Everest has chosen Richmond as her base for her entry into the toughest of canoe races.

Rebecca picked the Richmond Canoe Club to help get her in shape for the Devizes to Westminister International Canoe Race this spring which covers 125 miles along the Avon and Kennet canal.

As she has had little experience of canoeing before, Rebecca and canoeing partner Steven Seaton have been depending on the experience of club commodore Trevor Wetherall.

"Both responded to paddling techniques very quickly, they were very stable," said Mr Weatherall.

"It is very unusual indeed that beginners accelerate this quickly.

"All they need now is loads of practise."

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