FRESH blood is needed to help keep one of the North-East's oldest sporting events afloat in future years.

The 171st Durham Regatta ran smoothly over the weekend, with about 570 crews taking part in 500 races on the River Wear.

Wet weather put a dampener on proceedings yesterday, but Saturday's sultry weather saw big crowds lining the Racecourse, in Durham City.

The two blue riband events saw home crews as winners, with Durham University beating the Dutch challenge of the Skadi club, from Rotterdam, in yesterday's Grand Challenge Cup for coxed fours.

Collingwood College, from Durham, won the top event for eights, the Whitbread Challenge Cup, 24 hours earlier.

Regatta secretary Roly Metcalfe said the competition was as strong as ever.

"The standard has been superb, particularly in the eights events, with some wonderful racing from more than 20 crews.

"We can't do anything about the weather and it clearly has a big bearing on the turn-out."

Saturday's racing drew an estimated crowd of 9,000, and 2,000-plus attended yesterday, despite the damp conditions.

Mr Metcalfe said new volunteers were needed to ensure the event, dubbed The Henley of the North, continues to flourish.

"The existing regatta committee is getting no younger and we need anyone to help, even if they are not rowing enthusiasts."

Any potential helpers or volunteers for the regatta committee are asked to contact Mr Metcalfe, on 0191-386 4118.

* Mr Metcalfe said that lots of best wishes messages were received over the weekend for regatta chairman Don White, who is suffering serious illness in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.