A new landing platform being put in place for the Chester-le-Street Rowing Club regatta on Saturday

THE second Chester-le-Street Regatta, following the event's successful resurrection last year, should make even bigger waves in North-East rowing circles.

Members of Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club are bracing themselves for a busy day when this year's regatta is staged, this Saturday.

A total of 215 crews, 90 more than last year, from across the region, plus some entries from north of the Border, will compete in a total of 149 races.

They will take place every four minutes, over a 1,000-metre course on the River Wear, in Chester-le-Street's Riverside Park, in the shadow of Lumley Castle.

Club secretary Andrew Bryant said last year's first revived event seems to have gone down well among fellow rowing enthusiasts.

He said: "I think people have come along, enjoyed the rowing and the event in general, and told others.

"Word has got round and we've got a bigger spread of entries this year, with even some crews coming down from Scotland.

"It's effectively the first event in the regatta season in the region.

"I think it also appeals to families as they can come along and watch the rowing, go for a walk along the river banks, or they can always take the children to the play area in the park."

Club members are busy making last minute preparations, including extending the riverside landing stage next to its headquarters, at the Donald Owen Clark Boathouse.

Admission is free, although anyone bringing their own transport is advised they will have to pay Riverside car park charges.

Racing starts at 8.30am and runs continuously until about 6.20pm.

11:31am Thursday 26th April 2007

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