HEBDEN'S Andy Hodge helped Great Britain win bronze in the European Championships in Germany – but admitted disappointment it wasn't more.

The double Olympic champion was making his comeback after an 18-month absence due to illness and was hoping to strike gold on his return in the men's eight boat.

But they had to settle for third place behind the hosts and silver medallists Russia in tough conditions at Brandenburg.

Hodge said: "Everyone was excited to race and we got a really good start. It was disappointing that we couldn't carry that through.

"All credit to Brandenburg, they have put on a very good show. Now we are looking to move things on as the season progresses."

In strong winds, the Dutch made a flying start in the opening 500 metres, with GB in the chasing pack before finding themselves in fifth place at the halfway mark.

Russia held the lead going into the final quarter but the hosts came strong at the end, GB having to settle for bronze as they edged out Belarus.

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning retained their women's pair title as Great Britain topped the medal table again but their total was down on the previous year.