STV News anchorman John MacKay has claimed victory over fellow presenter Raman Bhardwaj in a charity rowing challenge.

The veteran newsman and his team from STV put on an 'oarsome' display on the River Clyde to win the 500m race in aid of the STV Appeal.

Both men, who each captained a team of rowers, went out on the water at Clyde Amateur Rowing Club at Glasgow Green on Thursday.

Sports presenter Bhardwaj, who had missed a crucial training session earlier in the week, was gracious in defeat as his newsroom rival rowed to a narrow victory.

Afterwards he thanked his team from Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms for taking part in the rowing challenge.

Raman said: "Team STV got their tactics right when they put me in the Wholesale Domestic boat.

"John and his team may have won the race but I like to think our strength and determination is what spurred them on.

"I've had lots of fun training for the challenge and let's face it - the team from Wholesale Domestic did most of the work!

"It's fantastic to see so much money being raised for the Appeal to help fight child poverty in Scotland."

John said: "I was pretty confident about winning the race, although Raman did put up a good fight.

"I was lucky to be supported by such a great team from my STV - my colleagues and I have all given blood, sweat and tears during training and thankfully it paid off.

"The STV Children's Appeal is a fantastic cause and this challenge has been a fun - albeit wet and a little painful - way to support it."

So far, the challenge has raised over £20,000 for STV Children's Appeal, which supports children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland. Every pound raised will go directly to projects and good causes all over the country.