COMPETITORS from around the country were in the North-East over the weekend to take part in a series of rowing events on the River Tees.

Spectators basked in the sun as they watched the annual Tees Regatta on Saturday and the Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust Tees Challenge yesterday.

Organised by the Tees Rowing Club, with support from the Amateur Rowing Association and Stockton Borough Council, the Regatta attracted more than 300 rowers.

The Tees Challenge drew 25 top class entries from rowing teams across the UK.

Money raised by the challenge will be used to help disabled people and disadvantaged youngsters.

Before the competition began yesterday, Sir Steve visited the Castlegate Watersports Centre, in Stockton, where he met youngsters from rowing clubs in the area and named a dragon boat by signing it.

He said: "The challenge is a great event, which has the potential to raise a lot of money and make a real difference to the lives of young people in the area."

Among those enjoying the day was Kirsty Pepper, who took part in bellboating for the first time.

The 13-year-old, who attends The Grovers youth club, in Skinningrove, east Cleveland, was one of the youngsters invited by Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton borough councils to meet the Olympic champion.

She said: "I can't believe I actually met Sir Steve. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and although I have never been in a bellboat before, I enjoyed that, too."

The oldest competitor in the event was Tony Stocking, 52, from Tees Rowing club, who is a former Great Britain rower and world champion medal winner.

Four former national champions and Henley Royal Regatta competitors from Yarm School, near Stockton, also took part.

Loretta Williams, world champion and world masters champion from York University, was another big name among the field.