Flags raised for annual boat race

Durham University have never been defeated in the event.

Rowers from two of the North East's universities are preparing to clash in their annual boat race.

The president of Newcastle University's team raised a flag to formally challenge Durham University's president on Wednesday.

It heralds the countdown to the 9th Northumbrian Water University Boat Race on the River Tyne on Sunday 8 May.

Durham have won all of the previous races, though events in 2000 and 2003 were cancelled due to bad weather.

Working hard

Henry Pelly, president of Newcastle University's Boat Club made the formal challenge to Durham's president, Maggie Paxton.

Newcastle's rowers have acknowledged they will have a tough battle on their hands to overcome Durham's supremacy.

Mr Pelly said: "Our squad has been working really hard and we've got an excellent team spirit going among the rowers. We're really looking forward to the day of the race."

Accepting the challenge, Ms Paxton said: "Our form recently has been excellent, but we are definitely not complacent.

"We'll be going into the race on the back of a winning streak, but the Tyne is an unpredictable course and anything could happen on the day, so we can't afford to rest on our laurels."