Madam, Further to Andrew Pearson's letter last week; as the previous holder of the New Year's Day run trophy, I too was interested to read the race report of this event, which was officially cancelled this year due to flooding. However, whilst Mr Exton's account of the race may have been more than a little overenthusiastic and perhaps a touch cheeky, I am happy to say that the Rowing Club has agreed with me that the trophy should be handed to him this year. Mr Exton is a veteran of the event and it would seem a shame for there to be a missing year in the list of winners, which dates back to 1979. Mr Pearson's partner should also be congratulated on choosing to traverse the course regardless of the difficult conditions and being first lady home.

David Setchfield, Ross