World gig rowing champions crowned in Scilly Isles

Ellie Brittain-Long and Lena Budd of Helford River Gig Club celebrate being world champions

The World Pilot Gig Championships have drawn to a close on the Isles of Scilly, with strong headwinds posing a challenge for competitors.

"Some got really wet and one crew complained of fish getting in their boat," said BBC South West reporter David Dixon.

Looe took the men's open title for the second year, beating Falmouth in a race for the line.

Helford River Gig Club reclaimed the women's open title it won two years ago, holding off a strong challenge from Caradon, with Fowey close behind.

Thousand of rowers and spectators flocked to the Isles of Scilly

"We have just been building over the last couple of years," said Lena Budd of the Helford team.

"We knew we would get there, it was just a mattter of when."

With the rowing over it was time to unwind and relax for the thousands of rowers and spectators who flocked to the island for the event.

For Nick George, landlord of the Mermaid Inn beside St Mary's quay, the preparations included ordering extra supplies and making sure the drinks did not run out.

He called the event "phenomenal" and said he ordered 120 kegs of beer and cider for the weekend - enough for more than 10,000 pints.