The pair have been training as a double scull for 12 months and the three day event, which attracted 7,000 rowers, was the pinnacle of their season.

They finished in sixth spot in the Veterans' B category (27 to 36 years), just six seconds off gold in an event entered by 76 crews.

The best result of the weekend came in the coxless fours, where Simon and Brian were joined by Mike Francis and Jed Barlow to finish in third place.

Randal Percival, the fifth Northwich rower, joined the four plus three Bewdley rowers to make up an eight which finished fourth.

Simon said: "We had five races in two days in mixed weather but it was a great experience."

The 26th annual event will be held in Seville next summer.

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