Richard Egington, of Lymm, was on top of the world after receiving an invite to the prestigious Indoor International Championships in Boston.

The 18 year old was told he was one of just eight British rowers to have their flight and five day stay in the American city all paid for by the sponsors.

But two days later the organisers called again to ask Richard exactly when his 19th birthday is - and then told him he could not go after all.

Richard said: "I was absolutely gutted. I'd spent two days going round telling everyone about the championships and really looking forward to it.

"I've never been abroad so I was really looking forward to spending some time looking round Boston but it looks like I'll have to wait a few years now.

"The organisers were very embarrassed about it, but they said the age rules had been standardised internationally and that meant I was two months too old for the junior section."

The Priestley College student burst on to the rowing scene when he won the Perpetual British Indoor Championships at a canter last year.

Richard also impressed at the North of England Indoor Rowing Championships at the weekend. Full story on page 53.

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