A young Blackheath rower is celebrating victory in one of the oldest sporting events in history.

Harry McCarthy won the historic Race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge and was greeted with an embrace from his father Simon, who won the samecontest in 1984.

The 22-year-old rows for Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club and completed the race in 24m35s minutes and 35 seconds.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have won the Coat and Badge for my family 30 years after my dad did it.

“The race was extremely difficult, especially as it was such a warm day, but seeing my friends and family near the finishing line wearing yellow and cheering me on made it all worth it.”

For more information on the event, visit doggettsrace.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt