WEYMOUTH Rowing Club have been back to school as they taught more than 50 students in the area for the last six weeks.

The pupils from Years Seven, Eight and Nine came from Budmouth, Wey Valley, St Osmund’s, Thomas Hardye and IPACA.

The course of coaching culminated with a regatta in Weymouth Bay in which all crews experienced the excitement of gig racing in a knockout format.

Competition was hard and all crews did well with the Budmouth crew winning overall.

Families and pupils enjoyed refreshments provided by the club and Viv Stratton, co-ordinator of the event, said: “It is such a lovely atmosphere and great to see the crews enjoying themselves in our lovely gigs.”

The weather was ideal this year and it has been the club’s third event with hopefully another next year.

Rhiannon Bailey, area participation manager, said: “What a great afternoon to celebrate the schools’ learn to row project.

“Full credit to the volunteers from Weymouth Gig Club for co-ordinating a great project and running this fantastic event.

“It’s brilliant to see so many schools engaged in the sport.”

Any young person wanting to take up gig rowing should contact Bree Roche at weymouthrowingclub.co.uk or on 07787120855.