Hundreds of rowers and spectators descended on the River Thames for the Oxford City Royal Regatta -- one of the country's oldest regattas.

About 240 crews, including 48 from the Oxford area and 23 from Oxford University, took part in 60 events on Saturday along a 1km course on the river between Folly Bridge and Long Bridges.

Up to 600 rowers took part in 192 races, which were scheduled to run at 2.8 minute intervals throughout the day, until 6pm.

The races included a corporate eights race, for rowers from local companies, and sculling races for schoolchildren and rowers with disablities.

Spectators lined the river bank to watch the races in sunshine, and enjoyed the spectacle from the Head of the River pub, at Folly Bridge. The regatta was organised by the City of Oxford Rowing Club. Club chairman Paul Azzopardi, said: "It was perfect weather for spectators but a bit hot for the competitors."

He added: "It's a well-organised regatta but at the same time is very relaxed. It's also a beautiful course in a historic town, which is a big draw."