Henley Royal Regatta draws to a close

More than 500 rowing crews from 20 countries compete in the regatta

The world-famous Henley Royal Regatta is drawing to a close.

The annual event has seen the world's top class rowers descend on the River Thames on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border.

Many spectators and competitors have used the opportunity to visit nearby Dorney Lake, where the rowing will take place at the 2012 Olympics.

More than 500 rowing crews from 20 countries competed in the five-day regatta, which began on Wednesday.

The event first began in 1839 and has been held annually ever since.

Age limit

Neil Ainsworth, landlord of the Argyll pub in Market Place, said the regatta had been "better than any other year" due to the weather and high visitor numbers as a result of the weak pound.

"We are well up on last year, and we haven't had any problems whatsoever," he said.

During the regatta, the age limit for people allowed to buy alcohol in some town centre pubs was increased to 21.

The Henley Pubwatch scheme said there had had been problems with young people drinking too much in previous years.

Thames Valley Police increased the number of officers on patrol during the event to provide help and reassurance to the thousands of people expected to attend.