IT was honours even as the Boat Race of the North returned this weekend.

Rowing crews from Durham and Newcastle universities went head-to-head on the River Tyne in the first event of its kind since 2010.

But the event ended in a draw, with both universities winning two races.

Durham won both the novice men’s and women’s eights and Newcastle won both the senior divisions.

All racing took place between Redheugh Bridge and close to Millennium Bridge on Saturday evening (May 9).