A swift rescue was in order after a group of teenage rowers got into difficulty near Barnes Bridge last week.

Nine youngsters from Latymer Upper School, aged 13 and 14, were left clinging to the upturned hull of their coxed rowing eight after it capsized in the River Thames on Thursday, November 6.

A crew from Chiswick RNLI were called at 3.15pm and quickly hauled all of the teenagers out of the water and into their lifeboat, giving them blankets to prevent further heat loss.

Mark Finnis, RNLI helsman, said: "We were able to respond very quickly to this incident so the rowers were in the water for a very short space of time before they were recovered and did not require any medical attention."

After the rescue, the boys returned to their boat house and were told to get into warm showers.

Phil McGee, head of boats at Latymer Upper School, said: "I'd really like to thank [RNLI] for the immediate assistance provided to our crew and coaches on the water, as well as the support afterwards back at the club.

"It is hugely appreciated and not taken lightly."