THOMAS Hardye Sixth Form student Ben Peach won three medals, including gold, at the EFSA European Line Class and Boat Fishing Champion-ships in Weymouth.

Peach, the only junior representing the English team, won gold in the Junior Section of the Boat Championships and silver in the Junior Line Class Championships.

He also picked up a bronze medal as part of a four-man executive team.

Before the five days' fishing a march, assembly and flag raising ceremony took place from the Jubilee Clock followed by a welcome reception at the pavilion for all the participating European Countries.

Peach received his medals and prizes at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Haven Littlesea Holiday Centre.

Peach said: "I would like to thank Andy Selby of Weymouth Angling Centre for his sponsorship, help and support. As well as Billy Short who put me forward for the competition and assisted me throughout, and finally skipper Clem Carter for his help and guidance leading up to the event."

n England A were pipped by Italy A as overall winners of the European Championships, with the Italian B team in third.

More than 200 competitors from across the continent competed over five days in Weymouth Bay.

The English team were leading going into the final day but the Italians pegged them back to snatch the title by just six points.

Local competitors had a good event, as well as Peach, Billy Short won the Best Ray contest.

In the four-man team open class the Weymouth quartet of Steve Clements, Ray Evans, Short and Andy Selby finished in bronze medal position out of 26 teams.

Clements also gained a sliver in the Life Members' category.