A MALVERN paddling prospect is preparing for the Great Britain under 23s and senior trials in March.

Callie Halliday, who studies physical education and sports studies at the University of Worcester, is ranked seventh in the country in canoe slalom.

The 20-year-old is training at Hertfordshire’s Lee Valley White Water Centre – the London 2012 Olympic venue for canoeing – with the help of a £750 university scholarship.

Halliday has been supported by the institution for a second successive year and declared the money vital for funding a hectic winter schedule.

She said: “The university scholarship really helps me to train down in London and I am very grateful to receive it again. I can’t wait now to get into full winter training in the gym and in London.”

Halliday took up the sport at the age of 12 and has represented England at senior events while travelling around Europe to compete and train at some of the continent’s best courses.

“The London course is a great venue,” Halliday added. “I’m lucky enough to have seen some amazing places all around Europe due to canoeing and it’s allowed me to experience different venues and cultures, which is great.”