 The premier rowing event north of Nottingham is staged on the River Tees this weekend. The event, hosted by Tees Rowing Club, is part of two days of top class sport on the river in Stockton. The club, which moved to a purpose-built, lottery-funded boathouse in November 2001, expects more than 200 competing crews from 25 clubs across the northern regions and beyond. They will be racing on the magnificent four-lane regatta course, having travelled from as far north as Berwick, as far west as Warrington and as far east as York. Tees Juniors boys and girls as well as senior oarsmen and women from local clubs will be participating in a full programme of racing that will start in the early morning and continue without a break until around 6pm on Saturday. Established veteran masters crews will be taking on the successful Tees RC vets, including Paul Buckworth and David Cooper, Johnny Cooper and Hugh Pelham, who will be competing against the best the region can offer. Alongside the more experienced rowers are many novice crews, some of whom will be competing at the regatta for the first time. The Tees Regatta is a top event for the region and is an integral part of a top class weekend of rowing and other watersports. The Sir Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust Tees Challenge team sprint event will be held on the Sunday following Tees Regatta. Tees has a strong tradition of family rowing. The Inman family has had links with the club for a number of years, a boat being named John and Jane Inman after mum and dad in recognition of their dedicated work over the years. John and son David will compete at the regatta. Other Tees RC families who will have members taking part include the Warburtons, Wilkinsons, Leighs, Stillers, Ventresses, Robinsons, Greens, Noels, Runnacles, Joneses, Pickerings, Brophys, Parks, Stockings, Francises, Reevells, MacFalls and Meikles. Club spokesman John Green said: "Racing starts at 9.30am and spectators are most welcome to come along and enjoy the day and see that rowing is a sport for all and not elitist as it is sometimes portrayed." For more information visit the club's websites at: www.teesrowingclub.co.uk and www.teesregaatta.co.uk | 
