HEREFORD firefighters narrowly beat their Worcester colleagues in a charity rowing challenge.

A team from Hereford Fire Station took on Worcester's Red Watch to row 22m (35km) at the Tything Fest, on Bank Holiday Monday.

The firefighters took turns to row 500m each, completing around seven rounds.

Thousands of pounds is expected to be raised from the event, which also included live music and a fly-past by the County Air Ambulance.

More than £1,650 was collected on the day and will be split between the County Air Ambulance, Fire Service Benevolent Fund, Acorns Children's Hospice Trust and Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

"It was a lot better than anticipated," said leading firefighter Dave Smith, who helped co-ordinate the rowing.

"Everyone was quite happy with the way it went. It was a shame to finish after Hereford, but they had the whole station and we had one watch to choose from.

"We were on duty and had the pumps with us on standby. Fortunately we had a quiet afternoon."

Hereford finished after one hour and 57 minutes with Worcester behind on one hour and 58 mins.

"It was an absolutely brilliant day," said Tything Fest organiser Steve High.