SCHOOL rowers sprang a Henley Royal Regatta surprise blade presentation on their long-serving coach as she retired from teaching after more than 30 years in the role.

Kate Callaghan first joined Monmouth School for Girls as a rowing coach alongside her father and club founder John Hartland in the early 1990s, before then becoming a full-time teacher and taking over the running of the club.

During her time with the school, where she was the longest serving member of the teaching staff, she taught and coached more than a thousand girls at all levels, with the school winning junior 8s for Wales at the Home Countries Regatta, medals at the National Schools and British Championships, Junior/School fours at Henley Women's Regatta and the Schools Head, while several also represented GB at junior level.

Kate Callaghan was presented with the inscribed blade by Olympic medallist Debbie Flood
(Oarstruck)

Kate was surprised under the iconic Henley Stewards Enclosure tree at the Royal Regatta when current and former rowers and club staff held a special inscribed blade presentation, handed over by Steward and Olympic medallist Debbie Flood, who has visited MSG in the past to inspire youngsters.

Presenting the spoon to Kate – who finished fourth racing for Wales at the 1986 Commonwealth Games alongside current GB rowing chief Louise Kingsley – Debbie said: "This is for you in honour or your dedication and the impact on your crews, and making a huge difference in your sport."

Kate said: "I'm obviously in a state of shock, but I'd like to thank you all for all the effort and work you put in over the years. Thank you so much, it's really lovely."

She was also surprised earlier in the week, when the school rowers and coaches made their own presentations at Monmouth RC after the annual end-of-term fun regatta, and was later invited to a special do at Abergavenny's Angel Hotel by former school rowers.

Kate's retirement marks the end of an era, with the Monmouth Haberdashers' schools amalgamating from next term, including the rowing club.

And as part of her farewell from the rowing community, she was also given centre court seats for Sunday's Wimbledon men's final, which she described as "an incredible experience".