CROWDS flocked to the edge of the River Wear at the weekend to enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of oarsmen and women pitting their strength against each other.

The 168th Durham Regatta, known as the Henley of the North, attracted more than 560 entries, with more than 60 crews from throughout the country taking part.

The Grand Challenge Cup, the blue riband of the event, was scooped by Durham University rowers, who won their club a cash prize of £1,000.

The river events had the undivided attention of onlookers for two days - apart from during the World Cup games.

Regatta secretary Malclom Proud said last night: "We managed to retain a hard core of spectators.

"But as soon as the games were finished, people came pouring out of the pubs back to the event."

Event organisers were stretched to their limit to ensure the smooth-running of the programme, which saw the starting gun fired every two minutes from 8.30am to 6pm.

Mr Proud said: "Racing has been particularly good and of high quality, with a number of very close decisions."

The event included a classic car rally on the Racecourse, choral singing and bands - with an offer of the traditional strawberries and Pimms.