AN estimated 10,000 spectators flocked to Teesside at the weekend for the World Canoe Marathon Championships.

The four-day event, which began on Thursday, was attended by competitors from 33 countries.

It included junior and senior competitions, singles, doubles, and kayak regattas, as well as music and entertainment from The Wildcats of Kilkenny and Czech folk dancing. The main competition was launched on Friday by Princess Anne, who is patron of the International Canoe Federation.

One of the highlights for Britain was Anna Hemmings' receipt of a gold medal in the women's senior kayak singles event. The 25-year-old, from Surrey, is a previous champion in the competition.

Lucy Tomlinson, the event's press officer, said: "The turnout was fantastic and we had some exciting finishes."