In two warm up races for this year's 125 mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race which takes palce over Easter, the Hemel club posted a pair of one-two finishes.

Shirine Voller and Alan Farrance were winners in the Open C2 (double canoe) by just seconds at the Waterside A race.

They finished the 13 miles from Great Bedwyn to Newbury up the Kennet and Avon Canal in 2:19:25.

Chris Collison and Robin Oakley were second in a time of 2:20:28.

Last Sunday Shirine and Alan (01:58:02) were pushed into second place by another Hemel duo - Tom Fryer and Gary Watts (01:50:17).

They won the 12 mile Thameside race from Aldermaston on the River Kennet to Reading on the Thames.

James Prowse and Grant Underwood, both 16, represented HHCC in the Junior K2 class (Kayak) for the first time and came in with a time of 2:19:56.

This weekend will see the paddlers take on a 17.5 mile Waterside B a circuit starting and finishing at Newbury.

Anyone interested in taking up caneoing can find out more at www.hhcanoeclub.com.