HUNDREDS of villagers from The Hemingfords turned out for the annual rowing Regatta on Saturday — one of the oldest of its kind in the country. A total of 150 races were rowed on the Great Ouse, as scullers as young as eight pitted their skills against th

HUNDREDS of villagers from The Hemingfords turned out for the annual rowing Regatta on Saturday - one of the oldest of its kind in the country.

A total of 150 races were rowed on the Great Ouse, as scullers as young as eight pitted their skills against the river.

In the showpiece final race of the day, youthful raw energy overcame experience as 20-somethings Tom Whybourn and Jonny Richards overcame the more experienced Paul and Norman Ashmore to claim victory.

In the traditional tug-of-war between teams from the Axe and Compass in Hemingford Abbots and The Cock in Hemingford Grey the Abbots team claimed victory - for the first time in seven years.

The Regatta has been held almost every year since 1901 - with only wars and a 2006 mud bath standing in the way.

Bill Lewis, from the Regatta committee, said: "The weather stayed fine apart from a few spots of rain. The event is all about strength and fitness versus technique.

"The Regatta is a long-standing tradition which brings the villages of Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots together - and long may it continue.