Competitors from across the South of England descended one of the Gloucestershire oldest and perhaps least well-sung sports clubs at the weekend.

Older than nearby Gloucester Rugby Club, which can trace its roots back to 1873, the city's rowing club was again at the centre of the action this weekend.

Oarsmen and women from London to Swansea and beyond descended on the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal where the club has its modest headquarters off Bristol Road.

Although not for much longer, as big plans are afoot for next year.

"This was what we call the Autumn Head. We attracted record entries this year," said Stephen Rose, treasurer of the club and also a trustee of Gloucester Boathouse Ltd.

Next year, as Mr Rose explained, the club - which was founded in 1846 - has been chosen to play host to the high-profile BUCS Rowing 4s and 8s Head.

The event is described as a showpiece university and colleges rowing event next year - the first time it has been staged in the South West.

A three-pronged bid from University Centre Hartpury and the University of Bristol, in conjunction with Gloucester Rowing Club, was successfully awarded the event for the next three academic years.

And it was with this up-coming contest in mind that so many people entered this weekend's event as strangers to this particular waterway got in some early practice.

The March showpiece should also coincide with the club moving into its new landmark clubhouse further down the Bristol Road, a project drive by city firm Markey Builders and designed by Gloucester architects Roberts Limbrick.

Read more: Oarsome competitors to make a splash in Gloucestershire