PECKISH paddlers will be competing for a huge pork pie at this year's Dragon Boat race on the River Ouse.

It has been donated by Dringhouses butcher Ged Bell, whose team - The Growlers - won the minor final at last year's event but went away empty-handed as there were not enough prizes to go round.

Thirty-six teams will compete in the event on the York riverside, between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge, on Sunday, July 11, to raise money for York Against Cancer.

Last year's event was the first for the Rotary Club of York and the most successful fundraising project in the club's 83 year existence, raising £50,000. BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration will be on hand to dish out the prizes - including Ged's tasty pork pie.

"I wanted to make sure the winners of the minor final had something to race for this year, so what better prize could there be than a pork pie?" said Ged.

"We're looking forward to the day. It should be one to remember."

York Rotary Club president Robin Rich said: "We're getting a tremendous amount of interest and support.

"We're delighted that Harry Gration has again agreed to hand out the prizes at this year's event."

Updated: 09:18 Thursday, May 20, 2004