WANTED: willing oarsmen to take part in one of York's most spectacular charity challenges.

York chartered surveyor David Brown has entered a team in this year's Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on the River Ouse - but still has only half the rowers he needs. David, who runs DK Brown Associates, at Skelton, has signed up ten oarsmen for the challenge, but that is still well short of the 20 he needs.

Now he is appealing for more people to take part. money raised will go towards the Martin House Hospice, at Boston Spa, which cares for sick children.

David said: "The people (who take part) need to be reasonably fit and able to swim 50 metres while wearing a life jacket. They'll be involved in an exciting local event to raise money for a good cause." To join David's boat, phone him on 01904 471501.

Meanwhile, sales of the programme for the Dragon Boat Challenge have been launched in York's St Sampson's Square.

Teams from the three charities involved - Martin House Hospice, SNAPPY and York Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit - along with Rotarians were out in force in the city centre yesterday selling the programmes, which give all the details of this colourful event which is scheduled to take place between Scarborough and Lendal Bridges on Sunday, July 10.

Updated: 11:55 Friday, July 01, 2005