ROWING talent from around the country converged on the North-East at the weekend to enjoy one of the biggest dates in the North-East’s sporting calendar.

The 178th Durham Regatta held on the River Wear in Durham City attracted hundreds of crews, with more than 2,000 competitors, as well as crowds of spectators.

Regatta spokesman Phil Tully said last night: “Apart from the weather, it has been very good. We have had a bit of rain, but have still been able to attract a few thousand spectators.

“It was quite sunny early today and there has been some good racing, including some good successes for crews that have travelled a distance to be here, but also some good home-grown wins, as well.”

Races were held over a 700- metre short course and 1,800- metre long course, with elite, intermediate, novice, masters handicap and women’s events.

The racing started at 8am on Saturday, with a race every two minutes until 7pm, and the pattern continued from 9am to 5.30pm yesterday.

Mr Tully said: “We were expecting some crews from Amsterdam, but unfortunately they had transport problems.”

He added: “There is always a lot of stiff competition between the Newcastle University and Durham University crews, and between Durham University and the Durham Amateur Rowing Club city crew.

“The city crew beat one of the Durham University crews in the eights on Saturday, which was a surprise result – especially when you consider that a week ago Durham University beat the city crew at Marlow, in Buckinghamshire.”

The regatta, dubbed the Henley of the North, dates from 1834 – pre-dating its Thames counterpart by five years.

The event included a vintage car rally, live music, trade stands and various displays.

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, a big supporter of rowing, sponsored one of the boats.

She said: “Rowing is a fantastic sport for competitors and spectators alike. It’s also a fantastic way to keep fit, it promotes good teamwork and the racing is always tremendously exciting to watch.

“The organisers of this year’s event have done a great job getting everything organised and it promises to have proved a fantastic weekend for local people, families and visitors to the city.”