Worcester's new two-day Autumn Regatta was a roaring success, drawing hordes of spectators on both days.

The new 450-metre sprint event on the second day - rowed against the stream - made for race after race with really close finishes.

The first day was more traditional, with a longer course downstream, but the packed banks were treated to two dead-heat finals, with double scullers and novice coxed fours giving their all in two re-rows.

"Everybody was very pleased - especially with the new racing on Sunday," said regatta secretary Peter Lord.

"There were a lot more non-rowing club people watching and the races were more exciting. We also managed to average 25 races an hour."

Families and friends turned out to cheer on some of the youngsters from county schools who have really taken to the sport, thanks to the National Lottery-funded Project Oarsome.

Twelve boats of 11-13 year-olds got their first chance to race, with Bishop Perowne pupils winning the doubles and Stourport students taking the quads event.

Project Oarsome is attracting newcomers to the sport who would never have been given the chance to learn to row. "The Oarsome crews loved it - they did really well," said city rowing coach Mark Perkins.

Experienced athletes from the host club, Worcester Rowing Club, also made the most of the two-day regatta.

Jane Fisher won the women's elite single sculls, beating the Wycliffe College junior who took this year's National Championships and who was in the crew that beat France in the this year's annual Anglo-French contest.

Worcester juniors Genny Hinchliffe and Laura Androlia won the J14 double sculls on Sunday, beating St Neots in the second round and Evesham in the final. The second round victory was particularly sweet as St Neots had beaten them at Downey Lake and Peterborough.

Phil Vincent also treated the crowds to a Worcester win, taking the J18 single sculls to add to an impressive haul this season.

"All in all, it wa s a very successful two days," said Mr Lord. "There was less river traffic than we get at the usual regatta in May, the catering was a great success and we had quite a few people camping overnight on Pitchcroft.

"There's a lot to be said for doing it again like this."