A TEAM of Worcestershire rowers have completed an iconic international event.

Pershore Greyhounds Dragon Boat Group took part in the Venice Vogalonga, a 32km regatta around the waterways of the Italian city.

The team finished in a personal best time of three hours and 15 minutes, entitling the participants to medals, certificates and a spot in the victory paddle through the Grand Canal to cheering spectators.

This achievement is even more remarkable considering the 19-person Worcestershire crew featured paddlers aged 15 to 74.

Meg Capel, a founder member of the group, said: "It was a brilliant and amazing experience.

"The crowds were cheering us on and, on spotting our Union Jack, even started singing God Save the Queen.

"It was a wonderful and magical atmosphere.

"Usually we are shattered after a paddling such a distance but on this occasion we weren't, which was remarkable.

"We were uplifted and exhilarated by it all."

The Venice Vogalonga was originally organised in 1974 as a protest against excessive motorised craft in Venice and has since become a popular annual international event.

More than 2,000 crews took part this year, using manpower alone to journey in St Mark's Basin around the islands of Murano and Burano before passing under Rialto Bridge.

Worcestershire's entrants were the fourth fastest dragon boat, a result the crew were delighted with.

Meg Capel added: "We have been training hard for this event and wanted to take on a real challenge.

"We felt we did very well."