WEYMOUTH Rowing Club is sending two competitive crews and two gigs, Kingfisher and Sir Tristan, to compete in the Great River Race on Saturday, September 27 – the last time Weymouth took part was in 2002.

The event features a 22-mile race from Millwall to Richmond and even though the River Thames looks flat it holds no prisoners with an incredibly strong current.

Ladies’ captain Lynn Reynolds said: “Rowers are embarking on a hard training programme of long-distance endurance rows alongside our programme for the annual Newquay Gig Row-ing Championships (September 6-7 for women and September 16-17 for men).

“It is a major commitment but we want to do it.”

The Weymouth club’s members are challenging themselves to raise sponsorship to boost funds for a new training gig which will allow more people to take part in the sport.

The race is one of the many fundraising schemes the club has in place.

Local businesses are being sought to sponsor the club and anyone interested should telephone Lynn on 07795258346 for more information, or they can email lynn.reynolds4@btinternet.com