Hundreds flock to annual Stourport regatta

Hundreds of people lined the banks of the River Severn as rowers took to the water for the annual Stourport regatta.

The two-day event brought more than 1,200 competitors to the Wyre Forest from across the country.

People took up positions overlooking the river on the town's bridge and on both river banks to get the best vantage point to see the action.

Rowers aged from 11 to 80 took part in a series of races in different categories in front of Stourport Boat Club's Boathouse.

One rowing boat capsized prior to a race, throwing two girls from Trentham Boat Club into the river. They were brought back to the shore in a rescue boat, shocked but unhurt.

Club captain Andy Morris said the event had been the perfect opportunity for people to see an Olympic sport at close quarters.

"I don't think there is a better way for people to get to see a sport which will feature heavily for this country at London 2012," he said.

"It is a long competition spread over both days. The number of entries is about on par with what we have seen in previous years. It is a good day for all the family because even though we can be racing from 9am to 6pm we have people camp overnight and there is a disco on the Saturday night at the clubhouse."

* A man suffered a heart attack during the regatta.

Hundreds of onlookers watched the man's crew members quickly row to the side of the river in front of the boathouse, off Dunley Road.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital.