The Bristol Clipper only just missed first place

The crews arrived at Liverpool watched by thousands of people along the banks of the Mersey.

Jersey won by two points over Bristol and Liverpool came third, taking the bronze award.

Rob Salvidge of BBC Radio Bristol, reporting from the scene, said "It is now a time for celebration.

"The slightly flat feeling of disappointment earlier on this morning when everyone realised Bristol had fallen to second place has now been overtaken by scenes of jubilation."

'Gruelling' race

The 35,000-mile race left from Liverpool's Albert Dock last October with eight yachts, each named after a city, taking part.

It included stops at Portugal, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Cape Town and New York.

Crew members, some with no previous experience of sailing, endured hurricanes, monsoons and broken bones during the gruelling race.

Bristol had been in the lead but on Friday slipped to second place after coming fourth in the leg to Holyhead.

The final section of the race, from Anglesey to Liverpool, was won by Hong Kong, with Jersey and Glasgow taking second and third place.

The result meant that Jersey won overall with 97.5 points and Bristol came second with 95.5.

Liverpool came last in the final stretch but took third overall, with 74 points.

The remaining five yachts were Hong Kong (71), Glasgow (65), London (57.5), New York (55) and Cape Town (30).