The Cambridge vs Oxford boat race was given a twist when local firefighters staged their very own event.
Oars fiercely battled in the rowing competition when two rival fire services took to the water for charity.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service challenged Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to the race on the same day as its famous counterpart.
Four determined Cambridgeshire firefighters, with little or no experience of rowing, battled to win the title but like the main race the Oxfordshire team were victorious on the day.
The Cambridgeshire team was made up of watch commander Simon Thompson, firefighter Matt House, crew commander Richard Petch, crew commander Stephen Tibbet and reserve for the event firefighter Jasper Vidot.
Mr Thompson said: “The atmosphere was great and it is definitely something we are planning on making an annual event – maybe with a bit more practice next time!
“I’m not sure exactly how many lengths we lost by in the end, but considering it was only our second time in a boat we didn’t do too badly. Oxfordshire were well drilled and deserved winners.”
The event was organised by Oxford firefighter Darren Taylor to raise awareness of the Pacific Row 2014, raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity and The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
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