CREWS from Upton Rowing Club felt the full effect of the weekend's turbulent weather while taking part in an annual boat race.

Two mixed veteran crews joined crews from across the country on Sunday for the 22nd Vesta International Veterans' Head of River Race between Putney and Mortlake, in south-west London.

But due to the rain and high winds, one crew was forced to withdraw from the race on the River Thames, while the other only got as far as Hammersmith before deciding to call it a day.

Forty other rowers had to be rescued by lifeboats and two were taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

Club chairman Peter Barker said: "It was very exciting. There was a lot of activity on the water with high-speed inflatables shooting up and down. It was a lot of fun but a little bit scary."

Mr Barker said that weather conditions this year were the worst the club had experienced in the eight years it had been participating in the race.