THREE lucky sports fans are toasting their illustrious common ancestor, after he earned them free drinks at the North’s biggest regatta.

To mark 200 years since the Battle of Waterloo, Durham Regatta organisers promised to supply complimentary ale to visiting veterans’ descendants.

So began the search to find kin of the original 43 ‘Waterloo men’ who were treated to a free meal and drinks by a Captain Chipchase following the first official Durham Regatta in 1834.

It was a tough ask, as no guest list from the dinner survived. But three relatives have been located, Denise Lovell and brothers John and Barry Knox, all of whom are descended from brothers of Waterloo man Private Andrew Knox.

Pte Knox was a farm worker in Lanchester before joining the 32nd Regiment of Foot in 1801. At Waterloo, he helped repel an enemy attack and survived a nasty injury when a musket ball hit his right leg to return to live in the North-East following his discharge in 1821 until his death in 1864, at the age of 86.

Mrs Lovell, from Sunderland, is now preparing for her first visit to the 182-year-old regatta, scheduled for June 13 and 14.

“I’m not really a drinker, but I’m looking forward to it,” the assistant secretary of the Sunderland Antiquarian Society said.

Regatta Secretary James Lamb said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Denise, John and Barry to the Regatta with a drink of the Regatta’s specially brewed Waterloo ale, and of course for them the drinks will be on us.”

President Doug Stewart added: “The search for the relatives will go on right up to this year’s Regatta, so if you’re related to any of the men, it’s not too late to contact us with the details – there will still be Waterloo ale on offer if you really are a descendant of one of them.”

The special Regatta will also feature re-enactments of 19th century races, a vintage vehicle rally, live music, family entertainment and the usual two packed days of competitive rowing. For more information, visit durham-regatta.org.uk