Olympic rowing gold medallist James Cracknell and canoing partner Bernie Shrosbree took on thje legendary Devizes to Westminster canoes race today.

Cracknell said he had become interesting in canoeing after being plagued by them when he was training on the River Thames.

This was his first attempt at the race. He and Shrosbree, a former Royal Marine who taught Cracknell to ski, aim to complete the race in around 21 hours.

Pictures by Adam Dale