Canoeing marathon crews from Lord Wandsworth College in Long Sutton finished second out of all the schools competing in this year’s Junior Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.

The gruelling 118-mile event took place over the Easter weekend. Crews were required to canoe from Devizes in Wiltshire through to the Thames Tideway at Barnes Elms.

The race took in 77 portages - carrying the canoe from one stretch of water to the next - and three nights of camping.

Lord Wandsworth College also earned a host of other honours. Canoeists from the school won the junior mixed doubles K2 category and finished fourth overall in the junior doubles.

A crew made up of a staff member and a student came second in the veteran-junior category, and Lord Wandsworth College was first out of all schools entering with Combined Cadet Force crews.

All Lord Wandsworth College boats finished, new school records were set and four crews made the top ten junior crews overall.

Lord Wandsworth College has a long history of marathon canoeing. This year’s squad were crowned National School Canoe Champions in November of last year. Seventeen students and one member of staff took part in the Devizes to Westminster race.

Speaking to those who competed, Lord Wandsworth College headmaster Adam Williams said: “To call you 'true Lord Wandsworth College pupils' is to do you justice. You are the epitome of courage, perseverance and quiet strength. You’ve set the bar. I am in awe of you all, as I am your teachers and support crews who are so passionate in supporting you to achieve your dream.”

The canoe crews chose to raise money for charity as part of the event. So far they have amassed more than £2,600 for Surfers Against Sewage, an environmental organisation dedicated to protecting oceans, beaches and wildlife from pollution.