NINE rowers from a Burnham-on-Sea rowing group took on their biggest challenge yet as they embarked on a 16 mile row from Bristol to Clevedon. 

The rowers from Burnham's Pilot Gigs rowing club joined Clevedon Gig rowing club on their annual 'Long Row Home' from Bristol Harbour to Clevedon Pier.

Simon Eastham, Burnham's Pilot Gig's rowing captain, said: "We launched 'Jayne Campbell' at Bristol Marina and joined the three Clevedon crews in their boats 'Finzel', Layde Bay' and 'Churngold' in the Cumberland Basin.

"Though slightly overcast, the weather was set to improve throughout the day.

"Just before 11 o'clock we rafted up in the lock ready to enter into the River Avon.

"The gates were opened , the sun came out, and off we set.

"We quickly got into out rhythm and soon were passing under the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

"After an hour of rowing we made a brief stop at Pill before passing under our second bridge of the day - the Avon Bridge carrying the M5 high above our heads.

"The out-going tide gives us a welcome boost as we pass Portbury and head into Portishead for a final 'comfort break'.

"We all round the pier just after two o'clock and see our friends and families waving from the slipway.

"It was a fantastic day all round, great fun, great company, and a great many blisters."