DRAGON boats will once again paddle down the Ouse this year - and the famous race has now won backing from four leading local businesses.

The Helmsley Group, Smith and Nephew, Shepherd Group and HBG Construction North East Ltd have pledged their support to York Rotary Club's Dragon Boat Challenge, which will take place on July 15.

Club president Michael Miller said: "I am delighted that we have been given such a tangible vote of confidence from such a prestigious group of key players in the local community.

"The arrangements mean that the essential costs of organising this event have now been underwritten and therefore all the money raised by the paddlers will go to the selected charities.

"From the last four years' events, local charities have received nearly a quarter of a million pounds."

Application packs have now been sent out to all the people who have registered an interest in entering teams for the 2007 event.

Any group who would like to participate which has not received a pack should contact David Thompson on 01904 641522 as soon as possible.

The club has chosen three charities which will benefit from the event this year. They are York Woodlands MS Respite Centre, York Wheels and the Salvation Army York Homeless Project.