CREWS from around the country competed in the annual North of England Sprint Rowing Championships at Hollingworth Lake.

The event is one of the largest on the rowing calendar.

Racing began at 8am and continued until 7.15pm, with a finish bang on schedule, which was quite a feat considering Hollingworth members were competing as well as playing host.

Hollingworth finished a creditable third in the senior competition.

The championships were attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker and Ann Jones, who presented the medals, and Councillor Ted Flynn who is the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Leisure.

Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club won the senior title, and Yarm School from Stockton-on-Tees won the junior prize.

John Newbold, managing director of Taylor Engineering and Plastics, the event’s main sponsors, presented prize money to the winning clubs.