Helford River Gig Club held its annual gig racing event at Helford Passage on Sunday when 12 gigs invited from Flushing, Coverack, Bude, St Agnes, Devoran, Helford, Falmouth, and Cadgwith took part in six races.

Despite an ebb tide and a fresh westerly breeze, the rowers put on a fine show in the natural amphitheatre of one of Cornwall's most beautiful rivers.

Helford, Devoran and Coverack had a competitive day being placed in the top three positions in most races.

The men's race was won by the Coverack club rowing Manacle Belle who fought off a very strong Helford team in Merthen to clinch the race.

The action-packed ladies event saw Coverack, Flushing, Helford and Devoran fighting it out in what was a tough race with the lead position changing throughout. With less than 200 metres from the finishing line Flushing and Mylor fizzled out when they lost the pace at a crucial moment allowing the stronger Devoran team to pull through and win the race.

Helford Gig Club committee member Carol Lawrence said: "In my opinion this was the best Helford event I have seen."

Results Mens: 1, Manacle Belle (Coverack); 2, Merthen (Helford); 3, Falcon (Devoran).

Ladies: 1, Falcon (Devoran); 2, Penarrow (Flushing and Mylor); 3, Manacle Belle (Coverack).

Junior: 1. Rose of Cadgwith (Cadgwith); 2. Merthen (Helford); 3. Lark (Coverack).

Mixed: 1, Falcon (Devoran); 2, Lark (Coverack); 3, Merthen (Helford).

Veterans: 1, Merthen (Helford). 2, Bryanek (St Agnes); 3, Bedehaven (Bude).

Mix-up: 1, Merthen (Helford); 2, Falcon (Devoran); 3, Manacle Belle (Coverack).