Help For Heroes chosen as this year's Dragon Boat charity

Plans are taking shape for the major fundraiser which is held on the River Ouse in York in summer, and demand is already high for the 36 team places available.

York Rotary Club, which is organising the event for the 11th year, has sent out application packs to more than 120 organisations which have registered an interest in taking part.

Club president Darrell Hind said: “Having 124 potentials on the books is a clear sign that our Rotary Challenge has become well-known and popular.

“The river and space restricts us to 36 teams and I would encourage everyone wanting to take part to get their applications in before the March 4.

“The principal charity to benefit this year is Help For Heroes and the money raised will sponsor a room in the new purpose-built personal recovery centre at Catterick.

“I hope this choice will encourage generous public support and make 2013 a record year.”

Over the years, several teams have been entered from the Armed Forces and this year Rotary anticipate a bumper entry because of Help For Heroes.

Major John Mayo, co-ordinator of the services entries, said: “All branches of the services are conscious of the tremendous work done by Help For Heroes and I know there will be a great demand for places to show the high regard we have for this charity.

“The competition will be intense. There’s always a great rivalry among mthe regiments and the public will be sure of an exciting and entertaining day on the river.”

The event will take place between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, July 14, on a stretch of the Ouse between Scarborough Railway Bridge and Lendal Bridge.

Crews will compete for a range of trophies, including the best-dressed team, while there will be stalls on the Museum Gardens river bank to create a gala atmosphere.

During the last ten years the crews have raised more than £700,000 with more than 150 charities benefiting.

For information on how to get involved go to www.yorkrotary.co.uk