A Dinas Cross teenager is celebrating the oar-some achievement of being picked to represent Great Britain in the Coastal Rowing World Championships next month.

Swyn Williams is heading to Monaco next month, where she will row for her country in the Women's' Doubles category, along with teammate Charlie Heath.

Former Ysgol Bro Ingli, Ysgol y Preseli and Ysgol Uwchardd Aberteifi student Swyn started rowing three years ago at the age of 15.

The 18-year-old began on Celtic longboats with her dad at Newport Boat Club and then moved to Fishguard and Goodwick's Jemima Rowing Club.

This season Swyn joined Towy Rowing Club in Llanstephan where she discovered Yoles; a sea rowing boat with a sliding seat used for coastal rowing. Coastal rowing, described as the mountain biking version of rowing, is quickly gaining popularity in Britain.

Swyn started rowing double Yole with Charlie just two months ago. Encouraged by their captain, the pair decided to enter for selection for team GB.

"We thought we'd give it a go," said Swyn. "We thought with a bit of training we could maybe do next year.

"When I got the message to say we'd been chosen I thought it was a joke at first. I couldn't believe it. It's never something you think is going to happen to you. We are still in shock."

The pair are training at every possible opportunity and have just come back from Ireland where they won gold in the Irish Open Championship.

They will brave a 4km course in Monaco and pit themselves against the wind, swell waves and tide.

"We are looking forward to it," said Swyn. "We are just going out there for the opportunity and experience. We want to do as well as we possibly can."

Swyn is currently looking for £450 sponsorship to support travel, accommodation and hire of equipment to help her get to Monaco visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/welshyoledevelopment.