NEWLY-knighted rowing hero Sir Steve Redgrave made a splash in the North-East yesterday.

Backed by one of his Olympic coxless four crewmates, Tim Foster, the five-times gold medallist launched a prestigious new event, The Supersprints Rowing Challenge, on the River Wear at Durham.

Although retired from international rowing, the Olympic hero took to a pairs boat, in the unfamiliar position of cox, to steer a crew of novice oarsmen - Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew and player Marius Hurter - in a fun race.

Despite a jump start by opponents, fellow Newcastle Falcons Dave Walder and Jimmy Rule, coxed by Tim Foster, Sir Steve 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 - much to the delight of the thousands of people lining the banks of the Wear, at Durham Racecourse.

"It got a bit too close for comfort out there, but my crew did very well," said Sir Steve.

"Tim's boat jump-started us, but we found our rhythm and overtook them - even though they got in our way at one point."

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

"Things like this and Project Oarsome (to introduce rowing in state schools) are designed to show people that rowing is a sport anyone can get involved with.

"We are hoping to get it into schools where it has 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 yesterday.

The Supersprints Rowing Challenge moves on to Hampton Court, in London, then Florence, in Italy, next month, with a further event in Australia later in the year.