Staff and students from Ely College have taken part in the unique opportunity of getting to row at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.

Eleven students, two members of staff and the college's Isle of Ely Rowing Club (IoERC) coaches took to the River Thames on July 2 to participate in the row past celebrations as part of the final day of Royal Henely.

The students were invited to the row past at the request of the Henley stewards through the college's partnership with East Anglia Youth Rowing (EAYR) and IoERC.

Ely Standard: Students enjoyed a great day out with many rowing and others acting as the coxes, navigating the boats through the water.Students enjoyed a great day out with many rowing and others acting as the coxes, navigating the boats through the water. (Image: Ely College)

Jason Coe, assistant principal at Ely College and head of the rowing programme, said: "This opportunity recognised and rewarded the ongoing commitment many of our students have made to the rowing programme over the past two to three years with the help and ongoing support of The Boat Race Fund and Love Rowing.

READ MORE: Ely College hosts rowing event to inspire its students and other local schools

"A special mention must be made yet again to the Isle of Ely Rowing Club, who continue to train and equip our students for such opportunities, as well as Susannah Cass, Head Coach at EAYR, who organised and coordinated the event, including the long transportation of boats down to Henley!

"The students had an amazing day and represented our community with pride."

Ely Standard: (From L to R): Ely Air Cadets and college students Josh Le Gresley, Edward Marygold, Marcus Elliott, Jamie Barrett (cox) and Tom Gibbs in their quad.(From L to R): Ely Air Cadets and college students Josh Le Gresley, Edward Marygold, Marcus Elliott, Jamie Barrett (cox) and Tom Gibbs in their quad. (Image: Ben Gibbs)

Rowing the Henley course presents a tough challenge in competitive racing with no segregation of the boats (lanes).

Whilst the college crews weren't competing, the weather conditions and 1500m course offered a technical and physical challenge for the young rowers.

A spokesperson for Ely College added: "They should be very proud of their efforts, as the college staff and their coaches are.

Ely Standard: Ely College students tackled the 1,500m stretch of the River Thames.Ely College students tackled the 1,500m stretch of the River Thames. (Image: Ely College)

"The opportunity to spectate, rig boats next to Ivy League and Oxbridge World Champions and ultimately row at such a showcase rowing event was truly inspiring for our students."

Maisie Shepherd, 15, commenting on behalf of her fellow students, said: "Rowing at Henley makes all the early mornings and hard work worth it.

Ely Standard: Ely College student Maisie Shepherd said: Henley was a brilliant experience for all of us.Ely College student Maisie Shepherd said: Henley was a brilliant experience for all of us. (Image: Ely College)

"We are so lucky to have the Cambridge University Boathouse near us in Ely, and we've developed a great passion for a sport that we probably wouldn't have tried without the free taster sessions."