A series of cross-Channel charity rowing events from Dover have had to be changed after the French authorities refused to allow the crews to enter their waters.

More than 20 teams had signed up for the adventure and had been due to row from Dover to France on various dates in July and August.

But when the first crews set off they were suddenly told they would not be able to complete the crossing.

The AHOY Cross Channel Challenge involves rowing Thames Watermen Cutters the 22 miles across the busy shipping lanes. It has been held successfully for the last three years.

AHOY works with disadvantaged and at-risk young people as well as disabled people to change lives through sailing and rowing activities.

A spokesman for AHOY said: "Our Pilotage Company met with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and established that the new French Admiral of Cherbourg has introduced a ruling banning rowing across the channel.

"No UK authority had been notified and the ruling has only just been received. Through one of the team's contacts we are trying to open a dialogue with the French Authorities to negotiate a change or alteration in this ruling to allow the AHOY teams to make the crossing.

"We have learnt that the ban has come about because a rowing team tried to do a crossing at night, got into trouble and had to be rescued so, unfortunately, one foolish escapade ruining it for everyone else.

"This is bitterly disappointing and other organisers of cross-Channel rowing have decided that until the French authorities change their ruling, they will row to the middle of the Channel and back.

"This takes crews across the first shipping lane to the half-way point and then back across the shipping lane to a finish in Dover."

"This is bitterly disappointing and other organisers of cross-Channel rowing have decided that until the French authorities change their ruling, they will row to the middle of the Channel and back..." - AHOY spokesman

The first three teams to take part this year rowed to the middle separation international Channel mark and then turned and raced back across the finishing line at Dover beach which completed the total distance for recording the Channel times.

The spokesman added: "Out of adversity comes a possible advantage in that racing and rowing to the middle of the Channel means that your supporters get to cheer you on at the finish. And the rowers won't have the two-hour trip back to Dover in the pilot boat."

Talks are continuing with the French authorities to encourage them to change their minds.

The captain of one of the teams said they had vowed to never step foot on French soil again.

More teams are due to take part in the challenge this Friday.

For more information about the AHOY charity click here.