YORK-based television presenter Harry Gration got to grips with a fearsome dragon - one of the colourful creatures taking to the River Ouse next month.
The Great York Dragon Boat Challenge is taking place on Sunday, July 13, to raise money for St Leonard's Hospice in York and other charities.
The BBC presenter, who will be guest of honour at the event, has promised to cheer on the teams when the colourful dragon boats take to the water.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing the Dragon Boats racing furiously along the River Ouse next month.
"It's a great spectacle, an imaginative use of the river, and a really excellent way to raise funds for St Leonard's Hospice and other charities.
"I hope thousands of people will join me on the riverside to cheer on the teams."
The Rotary Club of York is organising the event in which teams will race each other between Scarborough and Lendal Bridges.
Teams can nominate a charity of their choice to receive two-thirds of the cash the team raises, with the remaining third going to St Leonard's.
Janet Morley, fundraising manager at St Leonard's Hospice, said: "We are really grateful to the Rotary Club of York for organising the Dragon Boat Races to raise funds for our work of caring for local people.
"Thank you, too, to all the teams that are so willingly taking part in this strenuous activity - we know the benefit for the hospice is well worth the effort."
Updated: 16:20 Thursday, June 19, 2003
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