NEWLY-knighted rowing hero Sir Steven Redgrave made a real splash in Durham.

Backed by one of his Olympic coxless four crew mates, Tim Foster, the five-times gold medallist, launched the Supersprints Rowing Challenge on the Wear.

Although he is taking time out from competitive rowing, the Olympic hero took to a pairs boat, in the unfamiliar position as cox, to steer a crew of novice oarsmen - Newcastle Falcons player Marius Hurter and director of rugby Rob Andrew - in a fun race.

Despite a fast start by their opponents - fellow Newcastle Falcons Dave Walder and Jimmy Rule coxed by Tim Foster - Sir Steven guided his burly charges to victory over the 350-metre course.

For good measure they repeated the feat in a re-run back down the river to the starting point.

Despite the presence of orange buoys in the centre of the river to keep the boats apart, there were several near collisions to the delight of the thousands lining the banks of the Wear on Durham's Racecourse.

Sir Steven said the aim of the event was to increase the profile of the sport on the back of Britain's rowing success at the Sydney Olympics last year.

He said: "Things like this and the Project Oarsome scheme in schools are designed to show that rowing is a sport anyone can get involved with.

"We are hoping to get it into schools where its never been before. It's great to come here on a nice day in a great city like Durham and pass the message on."

Scores of crews from rowing clubs and universities across the country took part in the serious racing at the event last Sunday.

The Supersprints Rowing Challenge moves to London's Hampton Court and Florence, Italy, next month, with an event in Australia later in the year.