Members of a north Cumbrian rowing club swapped the calm waters of Talkin Tarn for dry land.

The rowers, from Talkin Tarn Amateur Rowing Club, dropped their oars to undertake a mammoth challenge in Carlisle.

About 40 rowers joined forces in the city centre to row a combined 100,000m over the weekend, albeit on fixed machines rather than in boats.

Working as a team, each member completed a 500m stretch before handing over the reigns. They completed the challenge in eight hours.

It is the first time that the club - established in 1859 - has attempted such a challenge using rowing machines, known as ergometers.

“We wanted to do something different,” club member Julius Deane told the News & Star .

“We thought we’d come down here and use one of the rowing machines, but also have another machine to let members of the public have a go themselves.”

When not rowing, members armed with collection buckets also collected donations from passers by, with the money split between the club and Eden Valley Hospice.

Boats and blades used by the club were also on display.

“We’re always looking for new members,” Julius added. “But at the moment we’ve only got very narrow boats, which aren’t ideal for learning in.

"If you’re not very experienced, then you’re likely to tip over.

“We want to raise money so we can get some better boats that are more suited for people rowing for the first time.”

John Lewis, the club’s secretary added: “Rowing is a great way to keep fit. There’s less impact on the joints than there is with something like running.

"We compete locally and nationally but you don’t have to have any previous experience. We’re also open to people of all ages.”