Ten brave youngsters from a Havering cadet unit took on a marathon rowing challenge across the capital this weekend.

Romford Recorder: SEA CADETS FROM HORNCHURCH & UPMINSTER TAKE PART IN THE GREAT RIVER RACE ROWING FROM GREENWICH TO RICHMOND SURREY 21.6 MILES LONDONS RIVER MARATHON. Photo: Sandra RowseSEA CADETS FROM HORNCHURCH & UPMINSTER TAKE PART IN THE GREAT RIVER RACE ROWING FROM GREENWICH TO RICHMOND SURREY 21.6 MILES LONDONS RIVER MARATHON. Photo: Sandra Rowse (Image: COPYRIGHT S E ROWSE)

On Saturday, 10 cadets and two members of staff from the Hornchurch & Upminster Sea Cadet Unit took park in the Great River Race, rowing an astoning 21.6 miles down the River Thames from the docklands to Surrey.

They were going up against 350 other rowing crews in numerous types of craft, all of which were required to navigate through the course’s 28 bridges, and managed the impressive feat in under four hours.

A spokeswoman for the unit said: “By doing this race they are hoping to raise some much needed funds to help support the unit.

Romford Recorder: SEA CADETS FROM HORNCHURCH & UPMINSTER TAKE PART IN THE GREAT RIVER RACE FROM GREENWICH TO RICHMOND IN SURRY 21.6 MILES LONDONS RIVER MARATHON. PHOTO: Sandra RowseSEA CADETS FROM HORNCHURCH & UPMINSTER TAKE PART IN THE GREAT RIVER RACE FROM GREENWICH TO RICHMOND IN SURRY 21.6 MILES LONDONS RIVER MARATHON. PHOTO: Sandra Rowse (Image: COPYRIGHT S E ROWSE)

“We would like to thank Royal Victoria Docks Boating Station for lending us a boat to row in and for towing the boat down for us as well.”

Anyone interested in joining the Hornchurch & Upminster Sea Cadets can call 01708 555184 or email hornchurchseacadets@hotmail.co.uk.