A STUDENT at the University of Hertfordshire triumphed over the rest of Europe to win a rowing gold medal.

Dave Bell, who has just graduated from the university, won the single skulls event at the European University Sports Association championship in Amsterdam at the end of last month.

The 23-year-old, who was on a sports scholarship, helped the British squad, with four gold, nine silver and six bronze medals, win the overall trophy, just ahead of last year's winners Poland.

He said: “This has been a fantastic season for me and I have come on a lot, but I still have a long way to go when looking at the bigger picture.

"The sports scholarship helps athletes achieve their goals in many ways - in particular I benefited from the strength and conditioning coaching and facilities that were made available to me."

Mr Bell hopes to continue his studies at Cambridge University and win a place in the boat race team.