Porthtowan had to pay their own way to compete in New Zealand

Cornwall's Porthtowan Surf Boat Club has been ranked among the best in the world at the International Championships in New Zealand.

The club secured bronze position at the event where it represented the UK against clubs from countries including Australia and New Zealand.

Crew member Gary Walters told BBC Cornwall Radio: "We have put in a lot of hard work and it has paid off.

"We have been competing against the best teams in the world."

When the team return to Cornwall they will begin recruiting for new members.

"At the end of February we will start flat water rowing on the South coast and begin bringing on new people," said Walters.

Despite being the UK and European champions, the Porthtowan crew members had to raise their own funds of around £10,000 to enable them to go to international competition.

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