STOURPORT Regatta was hailed as a huge success as hundreds of competitors and spectators descended on the town over the weekend.

Three-hundred-and-65 crews from 20 clubs savoured the chance to put behind a season which has seen many events cancelled because of the rain and race on the River Severn.

There was local success too as Bewdley Rowing Club , who saw their own regatta called off in July, won the Victor Ludorum for the most wins over two days of hotly-contested action.

Stourport Boat Club chairman Andy Hough said: “The event was a big success, we had 20 clubs take part in what was a great weekend of rowing action.

“The weather was kind to us as well which is also important because it means that the spectators can enjoy themselves and go home happy.

“The summer has been a washout for many clubs, so everyone was pleased to race.”

With rowing at its zenith after Team GB’s superb success at the London Olympics, interest in the weekend was high and the BBC Midlands Today crew were present on Sunday to film the Regatta.

Captain Andy Morris was also quick to praise the hard work of the many club volunteers who ensured the event went well He said: “With the Olympics a lot of people have talked about giving up their time and it was the same for the Regatta.

“A lot of people from the club put in a lot of time and effort and we owe them a big thanks.”

There was also success in the water for the host club. Novice Richard Collins teamed up with Alex Barnes to win the IM2 pairs on the 1,000 metre Saturday course.

There was more novice joy as Chris Berry partnered Alex Holford for victory in the IM3 pairs.

On Sunday, competitors took on a shorter 650m course, with the club’s men’s masters eight D and ladies masters four C both winning.

Meanwhile, juniors from Bewdley triumphed in seven events.

Amy Riley, Emily Shepherd, Felicity Gunn, Gemma Evetts, Julia Rogers, Zoe Rogers, Ali MaCrae-Gammond, Adrienne Rogers, Danni Edwards and cox Rhianna Hinton won the women’s novice eight on both days.

There was success for Georgia Webster-Ford, Sophie Evans, Victoria Williams, Penny Gunn and cox Ellie Hinton in the junior 13 girls quad.

Sian Hinton, Catherine Neilson, Hattie Blackmore, Ella Shepherd and cox Ellie Hinton won both the 14 and 15 junior quad races.

In Sunday’s junior girls quad, Rhianna Hinton, Bethany Neilson, Chloe Mulders, Ellie Hinton and cox Beth Chase tasted victory, as did junior 12 boys sculler Callum O’Reilly.