SPORTSMEN comes in all shapes and sizes, but at the World Pilot Gig Championships at the Isles of Scilly at the weekend, they won't come with a much bigger age total than one of the local crews that will be taking part in the popular event.

The Flushing and Mylor Gig Club are entering a supervets crew in the competition, but it's not just any old crew but one that boasts an average age of 67!

If that's not enough to make your muscles sag, they will when you learn that all the crew are over 60 years of age and one of the rowers, Angu Nicholson, is actually 83!

However, there is no need to worry about whether the crew is likely to finish the course, because they have been training every week since Jaunary in preparation for the event.

Bob Loveridge, the captain of the crew, said everyone was looking forward to taking part in the championships: "Our racing cox, Lynne Stonehouse, has been busy training the crew for the veterans race, but we have also had assistance from cox Nick Stephens.

"Nothing has been left to chance and we have received thorough training advice which has been provided by Penny Chuter, OE, the highly-regarded GB Olympic rowing coach."

The Flushing/Mylor crew will be racing in the Over 50's Helford GC sponsored "Vintage Cup."

"It is expected that 50 gigs will compete in the veterans race which takes place between St Agnes and St Mary's," added Bob.

"We are a strong crew and have been training two or three times weekly since January and are looking to perform well on the day - even though some of our competitor crews will over 25 years younger!"

The crew consists of Angus Nicholson (who is 83+), Terry Carter, Bob Loveridge (captain), Paul Bradley, Guy English (stroke) and Rodney Myers. Cox: Lynne Stonehouse.