THERE was no messing about on the river as the first Glasgow Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta took place.

Around 60 pupils competed in single and crew boat races out on the River Clyde after months of training.

Organised by Miki Dale, British Rowing coach, the Regatta was the culmination of a rowing programme carried out in eight Glasgow schools.

Miki said: "We had one of the worst winters and early springs I can remember in Glasgow - the weather was completely against us.

"But despite snow, hailstones and storms, the young people kept with it.

"I was really pleased with how well they did and their hard work paid off at the Regatta."

Smithycroft Secondary, Bellahouston Academy, Whitehill Secondary, St Andrew's Secondary, All Saints Secondary, St Roch's Secondary, St Mungo's Academy and Holyrood Secondary were involved.

Each school chose 12 first year pupils to take part as a reward based on their good attendance or hard work in class.

Miki began in-school sessions with the youngsters to teach them the basics before moving up to Firhill Basin for classes on the water.

An Easter camp helped hone their skills ahead of the Regatta.

British Rowing has offered a free three-month pass to pupils who took part and so it is hoped youngsters will continue with rowing.

Miki added: "It gave them an introduction to a world they might otherwise not know about and hopefully it's a world they want to stay in.

"Rowing isn't for everyone but some of the pupils did really well and I'd hope they keep it up."

The Evening Times told Miki's story last November as he was awarded Young Person's Coach of the Year Award from SportScotland's Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards.

Miki was a dancer and yoga practitioner who lived in America, Thailand, Nepal and Dubai before settling back in Glasgow to coach rowing.

Originally from Faifley, Clydebank, Miki now works for British Rowing and a variety of organisations, including PEEK, FAIR and housing associations.

He added: "I'd really hope to do this again next year. The first years going into second year can tell the new pupils about it and act as ambassadors for the programme.

"Rowing should be accessible for all - and that's what this programme is for."