STUDENT Susannah Pickering is on the crest of a wave after rowing across the English Channel.

Former Canon Slade High School pupil Susannah, now a theology student at Oxford University, joined other rowers to cross the Channel to raise money for Cancer Research.

The challenge was devised by rowers at Oxfords rivals, Cambridge University.

Susannah, aged 20, of New Hall Lane, Heaton, was keen to participate in the 21-mile adventure as part of an all-girl team of five from Regent Park College and Lady Margaret Hall.

Susannah - who is about to start her final year - and her teammates were aiming to complete the Dover-to-Calais crossing in less than six hours.

And they were delighted when they landed on the beach at Cap Gris-Nez in four hours and 54 minutes - and immediately got on the ferry journey back to England.

The physically demanding event meant the seven teams that took part did not stop for a rest during their crossing for fear of the tides pulling them off course.

And dealing with the swells caused by the ferries in the busy shipping lanes proved a challenge.

"Our cox was spending most of her time bailing us out," said Susannah.

"At times, it got very choppy with waves splashing over the side. The Sea Cats were the worst. You would see them and 10 minutes later, you got their wash."

Susannah's mum, Lesley, who followed her daughter's progress from a support boat, said: "We came within sight of quite a few ferries and one cargo ship even diverted its course to avoid us."

Susannah said: "I'd love to do it again and next time, hopefully, we will be racing."