AN annual Bank Holiday rowing event went ahead despite the River Avon overflowing its banks.

The Evesham Rowing Regatta 2018 saw boating enthusiasts swoop on the town, enjoying excellent weather and rowing across the weekend.

Due to the river bursting its banks, the Abbey Road rowing club’s landing stage had started to subside on Friday, less than 24 hours before the racing began.

The regatta is open to all clubs and schools, with Royal Grammar School Worcester being amongst the competitors this year.

97 races took place over the two days, with the 1000 metre upstream regatta on Saturday, while the sprint regatta, a 600-metre downstream race, was held on Sunday. One spectator, Xavier Martins, aged 26, spotted the regatta while walking into town and said he enjoyed the experience. He said: "It was rare, I wasn't expecting it. I lived in Evesham for a few years and I never saw a rowing competition.

"It was a happy atmosphere, people were shouting in happiness, rooting for their teams. It was surprisingly hot weather.

"It's the first time I've seen so many cars parked in the park.

"The bar was open for the public, which was nice so we could have drinks there."

The regatta course sees rowers starting the other side of the Abbey bridge and then following a curve around the park and gardens, past the boathouse and finishing just before the Workman bridge.

With the sun blazing down and temperatures rising, all crews were advised by the course commentary team to add extra sunscreen, wear a hat and takes bottles of water for re-hydration.

By the end, City of Oxford Rowing Club claimed the most wins with seven, closely followed by Abingdon Rowing Club, Evesham Rowing Club and Pangbourne College Boat Club who both had six wins.

The winning mugs were presented by deputy mayor Mark Goodge and rowing club chairman John Lomas.

The course record is still held by Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent in a pair.

The regatta always gives a strong economic boost to Evesham with hundreds of athletes booking accommodation in close proximity to the town.

Evesham has several famous former rowers, including Wormington's Alex Gregory who won his second Olympic gold medal at Rio in the coxless four before retiring at the age of 33.