Two sets of pupils from Bishop Vesey's Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield rowed their way into the record books last Saturday (27 June) in the Gracechurch Centre.

Four boys, aged 16 successfully smashed the record for Team 1-hour maximum distance Concept2 indoor rowing record by 213 metres, rowing an incredible 18192 metres.

Head of Rowing, Brian Davies said: "The boys success is down to their excellent communication and team-working skills as well as their determination to succeed. They worked incredibly hard and thoroughly deserve their records."

Masses of shoppers gathered to cheer the boys on who were attempting the feat as part of a big fundraising effort to send them on their way to Johannesburg, South Africa in the summer where they will take part in the inaugural Bishop Bavin Regatta.

A team made up of four students aged between 14 and 16 also broke the Concept2 1-hour maximum distance record for Under 18's by nearly a 1000m, achieving a distance of 17246 metres.

Jasroop Bhogal came within a tantilising 0.2 seconds of breaking the 13-14 year old shortcourse 100m world record. He is hoping to finally break the record that has stood for nine years on his next attempt in October.

Rowing captain, Tom Jackson said: "It was an extremely good performance from all members of the team, who have all trained hard over the last few months to achieve this feat. It also sets us up well to perform to our best when we compete in South Africa this summer."

The rowing team will also be taking part in a final fundraising car wash at the school on Saturday 18 July from 10-2.30 to fund the trip to South Africa.