Pictures by Chris Roberts WiderView PR

MORE than 35 different rowing clubs pitted their strength and stroke against one another at the annual Evesham rowing regatta.

A chilly but mostly bright day saw stiff competition on the River Avon as teams from as far away as Monmouth, Llandaff, Swansea and Staines, met with local teams from Warwick, Worcester, Stratford and Evesham.

As usual the regatta attracted big crowds and organisers were kept busy selling cups of tea to keep spectators warm.

The ages of the competitors ranged from the youngest emerging athletes to some seasoned veterans who still found some tough competition to test their skill over the 1,000 metre course with heats, semi-finals and finals.

A high point in the event was the victory for Evesham coxless ladies four team of Sophie Evans, Sian Bird, Maddy Hargreaves and Gilly Russell.

Club captain Pauline Pollard: “It was a great weekend of racing. Evesham Rowing Club always works very hard to put on a well organised event and this year was no different. There was a some very good competition and we were happy to welcome so many clubs and so many spectators.”

The club is very grateful to all the local businesses who lend their support to this key event in the town’s calendar and to the members - and their families - who volunteer to ensure the event runs smoothly.

The next big event is the folk festival in June when club members will hang up their blades in order to feed the hundreds of hungry morris men - and women - who use the club as their base for their annual tour of the Vale.

Full results from the two days of competition can be found on Evesham Rowing Club's Facebook page.