HUGE crowds watched a flagship rowing contest in the North East.

The Hexham Regatta attracted more than 1,000 competitors on Saturday.

Spectators enjoyed a full day of events with the first getting under way at 9am and the last coming to a climax shortly after 7pm.

There were races in single and double sculls, coxless pairs, quadruple sculls, fours and eights with competitors in elite, senior, intermediate, novice and a number of junior age groups at the Tyne Green Riverside over a 750m course.

The regatta attracted teams of rowers from all over the country, as well as those based closer to home.

Crews came from some 30 clubs across the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Scotland and elsewhere, with competitors aged from 12 to 60.

Hexham Regatta is one of the most popular rowing events and the largest one-day regatta in the UK. Organised by Hexham Rowing Club, the event is sponsored by Northern Rail and Swinburne and Jackson.

Any clubs interested in taking part in next year’s event can visit www.britishrowing.org