MORE youngsters than usual took part in this year's Shaldon Regatta, especially in the rowing events. Chairman Mark Pile said this was partly due to the two new dinghies bought with grant money, and the tuition given to children off the beach, writes John Ware.

The nine days of sporting fun on the beach and water concluded on Monday with the local MP Anne Marie Morris handing out the prizes for the winners in the various classes, with the emphasis on the three awards for the youngsters who put up the best showing.

The Clarance Cup for under-18 went to Matt Langworthy, who was the joint-winner last year; the Hulbert Trophy for under-16s was awarded to Georgina Bayliss for the second year running, and the De Vey Trophy for under-12s was jointly won by William Annall and Jessica Edworthy.

Mr Pile said the regatta was enjoyed in a sporting manner, and he thanked the visitors who came down year after year to take part; the draw ticket sellers, the organising committee, local traders, the ferry crew, and the many others who helped to make it such a success.

Twenty-two teams took part in the treasure hunt by boat with clues spread far and wide, and the winners were Bird is the Word.

Other winners included Ed Rawlings and Tim Fortune, who took the John Pile Cup for the Men's Pair Oars; Ray Edworthy who received the Frank Thomas Cup for older rowers; Tommy Stoyle, who won the 'blue riband' Cotgrave Cup; Felicity Rawlings and Emily McCoy who achieved the Popkins Trophy in the Ladies' Pair rowing; Aimee Deacon who took the Jack Matthews Trophy for the Seagull outboard motor boat race; James Stoyle and Kate Nicholls respectively in the kayak racing; Harriett Waring in the under-fives sandcastle competition, and the Alan Jones family in the adult class; Rosemary Martin who took the Jolly Boat Challenge Cup for sailing; Chris Connell, Ed Rawlings, Tommy and James Stoyle, coxed by Amanda Edworthy who took the Charlie Bloor Trophy for seine boat racing; and Ben Smith and Georgia Milfull in the pillow fighting.