SPECTATORS packed onto Cotehele Quay witnessed a new course record set in the River Tamar's annual nine-mile gig rowing race this Sunday.

Rock ladies' veterans held off 11 other crews to take first place at the Crunch Gym Tamar Challenge, run by Cotehele Quay Gig Club.

The mixed handicap endurance race from Saltash to Cotehele saw the ladies face strong competition from Falmouth men, with Caradon men just seconds behind.

Although the time handicap meant the Saltash-based crew placed third overall, they broke the course record with a time of 59 minutes 38 seconds.

Cotehele Quay Gig Club chairman Steve Gentry said: 'This year's Tamar Challenge was well supported by clubs from Cornwall and Devon including Falmouth, Truro, HMS Raleigh, Looe, Tamar and Tavy, Caradon and Rock. The nine-mile race created a fantastic sight of a fleet of Cornish pilot gigs racing up the river.

'There was a large crowd gathered on Cotehele Quay to cheer the gigs across the finishing line, which I am sure all the crews appreciated after their gruelling race.

'I would like to thank all the clubs that participated in the race and the National Trust for hosting the event.'