ROWERS from Hexham have taken part in an inaugural event in the Lake District.

Saturday, November 23 saw rowers from all over the north take to Derwent Water, in Keswick, for the lake’s first ever invitational head race, following the recent formation of a rowing club.

The event was hosted by Lakeland Rowing Club, the youngest rowing club in the North, set to the magnificent backdrop of the Lake District National Park.

Hexham was represented by a masters coxless quad scull, crewed by Bruce Howorth, Keith Hutton, John Young and David Gold.

Despite a very early start, the Hexham stalwarts were out in the boat ready to race on Derwent Water.

Hexham’s crews are more used to racing on more confined bodies of water, such as confined spaces on rivers or on lakes with buoyed lanes as opposed to the vast expanse of Derwent Water.

The lack of landmarks added to the disorientation caused by being far from the bank. Despite this, the quad performed well on the 3000m course in what was an invitational, fun event rather than a serious competition.

The quad missed out on the fastest crew award, but gained valuable experience for their intended return with the rest of the club, with Lakeland RC set to host their first British Rowing formal event in the new year.