Reds' veterans Ali Peake (stroke) Dave Godfrey, Dave Byrnes and Dave Bates in action at the British Masters Regatta

A small group of veteran rowers from the Bideford Reds club travelled to Nottingham at the weekend to compete at the British Masters Regatta at the National Watersports Centre - and came away with gold and silver medals to show for their efforts.

Together with a large contingent from other local West of England clubs, including Dart Totnes, Exeter and Greenbank Falmouth they took on the best of veteran rowers from all parts of the UK, with ages ranging from 27 to some in their 70s.

Dave Byrnes picked up an impressive gold in the Masters C (age 43 and over) single sculling race and was also part of the Masters D (average age 50) coxed four with Dave Bates, Ali Peake, Dave Godfrey and coxswain Abbie Dunn, who took a well earned silver in a tight six- boat final.

The same crew, with Dave Powe replacing Dave Byrnes, also came fifth in the Open championship race for coxed fours

The veterans squad and the rest of the Reds’ rowers are now preparing for the forthcoming West of England Championship season, which starts at Plymouth on Saturday, June 16.