Britain had won the title in 2009, but surrended it last year to the Canadians.

This year Britain's coxed four of·James Roe, Dave Smith,·Naomi Riches and the debutante Pam Relph with cox Lily van den Broecke went off like a rocket in the final, demonstrating how baldy wanted to get the title back.

After 250 metres they had over a length on Canada and never looked back to win in 3min 27.10sec.

Smith punched both hands in the air at the end followed by Roe, normally so undemonstrative but today clearly delighted.

"It's all really quite exciting," said van den Broecke.

"The four guys have done us proud."

Canada finished second with Germany third. 

"Last year we got the gold but this year Great Britain was very strong and it was impossible to beat them," said Canada's Laura Comeau.

"Next year for the Paralympics, it will be a great battle for gold."

It completed a remarkable year for Smith after recovering from a life-threatening tumour which required surgery.

"Our whole goal this season was to win this race," he said.

"Now that we've done that we will take a little break and then come back and work hard so that we're ready to do it again in our own back garden."

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