GB capture men's and women's team gold in Nottingham

GREAT Britain have captured men's and women's team gold at the European Championships in Nottingham - adding to the C2 bronze won by Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott.

GOLD RUSH: Laura Blakeman helps Great Britain to team gold on a successful day at the European Championships in Nottingham (British Canoe Union)

Laura Blakeman and Louise Donington joined forces with 21-year-old Lizzie Neave to take gold in 108.63 seconds in the team K1 event, while Slovakia took silver.

While defending European champion Campbell Walsh, Richard Hounslow and Huw Sweetnam topped the podium in the men's K1 event 94.62 secs ahead of Germany.

"We got together as a team to practise a few things and it's obviously paid off," said Blakeman. "We stuck to our individual plans but had to adapt slightly to take other team members into account.

"I have won a few silver and bronze medals but never gold at a major international event - it's a major achievement, especially considering the quality of competitors."

Earlier in the day, Neave impressed in her semi-final outing to book her place in her maiden major international final, but received a 50 point pentalty, ending any chances of a medal.

"I am not one of the strongest paddlers in the world so having a more technical course today makes up for it," she said. "It's three-and-a-half years to the London Olympics so hopefully I can keep getting better."

In the men's C2 team event, the GB squad of David Florence, Richard Hounslow, Baillie, Stott, Dan Goddard and Colin Radmore claimed silver behind the Czech Republic.

Tomorrow will see the men's C1 and K1 finals with both Olympic silver medallist David Florence and Walsh bidding to add to Great Britain's growing medal tally.