AROUND 500 student rowers took to the water in York as universities from across the north of England battled for glory in the student-organised White Rose Head on the River Ouse.

Many first-year rowers were competing in their first races with 89 crews vying for local bragging rights.

The event is now its seventh year although the 2015 races were cancelled due to the floods.

Crews from the universities of York, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and Manchester were among the 12 institutions taking part in the 3000m race against the stream.

Liverpool who came out on top on the day, winning six of the nine events, including the freshers women’s eight.

Hull, meanwhile, triumphed in the men’s freshers eight and Leeds took the men’s freshers coxed four.

The whole event was organised by students from the University of York and run under BUCS rules.

Joel Kesterton, student commissioner for the Yorkshire region, said: “For many of the novices taking part, this was amongst their first experiences of competitive racing and, from the smiles and laughter I witnessed as I walked among the trailers, it certainly seems to have been a great day out on the water - or in it where Manchester was concerned!”

Finish umpire Donald McDougall praised the teamwork of the students, saying: “I enjoyed the day. It is easy when the people around are helpful and willing and it was great to feel part of a superb event. At end of day, the students were well organised and all were taking on jobs and clearing away themselves."