It's a real sister act at York City Rowing Club with three sets of sisters all competing in their junior teams.

SIX OF THE BEST: York City Rowing Club's three sets of sisters are, from left, Freya and Lydia Bielby, Claire and Helen Broadbridge, and Freya and Morven Porteous

Freya and Morven Porteous, Freya and Lydia Bielby, and Clare and Helen Broadbridge are all in training on the Ouse

Three of the girls enjoy rowing so much that they each persuaded their younger sisters to join and the Porteous girls have turned the sport into a family tradition.

Morven, 15, explained: "I started a year and a half ago because I wanted to try something different. Mum used to row for York City when she was younger and she encouraged me."

Freya, 13, added: "I started about four months ago because my sister really seemed to enjoy it. It's quite nice to have someone more experienced with you, but I think she's a little bit harsher on me."

Sibling rivalry isn't a problem because none of the girls compete against their sisters.

But Morven admitted: "We all argue a bit, but we kind of encourage each other too. And I wouldn't tip her out - not with me in the boat!"

Junior membership has more than doubled in the last year and the club are desperate for new boats to help the younger teams.

Coach Dave Wilde said: "We only had about six juniors this time last year and now we're just getting so short of boats.

"Suddenly it's just gone mad. I think what happens is that at school they ask their friends what it's like and then come along to see for themselves."

After victory in the first regatta of the season in Lincolnshire, the junior teams will be looking for more success as they compete every two to three weeks once racing gets underway.

And they'll be hoping to achieve a win on home water in March when the annual long distance race takes place from Poppleton to the city centre.

The rowers are appealing to businesses for financial backing in a bid to provide new boats.

Each vessel costs over £5,000 and the club are hoping local firms will see it as an opportunity for some original advertising.

Individual donations of £300 or more will entitle the donor to their name on the craft. Contact Dave Wilde on 01904 651146 or Phil Jones on 01904 798439.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.