Hundreds of people are gearing up to take part in the second Great York Dragon Boat Challenge tomorrow week, but, as HAYDN LEWIS reports, there is more to it than just mucking about on the river.

PEOPLE from all walks of life are taking part in The Great York Dragon Boat Challenge and all are determined to raise as much cash as they can for charity.

A total of 36 crews are competing in the race, organised by York Rotary Club, which takes place on a 250-metre stretch of the River Ouse between Skeldergate and Lendal Bridges, setting off at 10am.

Each crew consists of between ten and 16 paddlers and a drummer and all must be 16 or over.

They are all guaranteed three races and helmsmen are professionals provided by The Organisation, which overseas the event and also provides the boats.

This year, the fearless teams have proved there's more than one way to get ready for York's big river race.

For the intrepid oarswomen and man taking to the waters of the Ouse for St Leonard's Hospice, a bear beating time is the best way to get that paddling technique exactly right.

Last year, St Leonard's was the major charity to benefit from the event, and this year they are looking forward to competing to give something back.

In contrast, the Micklegate Paddlers, from York Housing Association, have been practising their rhythm in a quite different way - in the association's boardroom.

Lynda Howe, finance and IT director from York Housing Association and team captain for the Mickelgate Paddlers, explained: "The most important thing is getting the rhythm right.

"Once we have got everyone using the same rhythm we will be all right.

"It will be strange to practice rowing around a board table, but I am sure we will manage."

They made the decision to take part because the main beneficiary of this year's event is York Against Cancer, and they wanted to do something to support a colleague who had been diagnosed with cancer.

The staff are entering into the spirit and designing a crew outfit for the occasion based on Venetian boatmen complete with ribbons and sashes.

Dringhouses family butcher team Ged Bell's Growler's are putting their confidence in a team that is already at the peak of physical fitness.

Ged himself will be sitting out this year's race after a recent operation for lung cancer, but he has every confidence in his team.

He said: "I have even more reason than most to support the event and am sure we can earn plenty of money to give to charity."

Each team is expected to raise not less than £50 in sponsorship with one third going to York Against Cancer and the remaining two thirds to the team's own nominated charity.

York Against Cancer is a local charity established in 1987 to further and support treatment for cancer patients at York Hospital.

The funds will be devoted specifically to funding a nurse at York Hospital's cancer care unit.

Organiser's hope to top last year's total money raised of £48,000.

At the end of the day, after the last race at 5pm, BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration will present the prizes.

The major award is the Challenge Trophy for the winner of the Great York Dragon Boat Challenge along with a £100 donation to their charity.

For more information about the event, log on to www.yorkrotary.co.uk/dragonboat.htm

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, July 03, 2004