IF TWO transatlantic rowers are feeling sheepish by the time they complete their mission next month, then a North Yorkshire company is to blame.

Floorhide.co.uk based in Oswaldkirk, near Helmsley, has provided two charity rowers Justin Colman and Henry Dale with a quality natural sheepskin to wrap around cushioned sleeves on their hard rowing benches.

The rowers contacted the internet-only company run by husband and wife team, Dave and Pam Tillotson, because they wanted comfort as they set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on January 20 when they will compete against 14 other boats in the Ocean Rowing Society's Atlantic Regatta all the way to Barbados.

They hope that by having a head - or rather, bottom - start they will raise £100,000 for cancer research nurses at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. So far they have reached the halfway point.

The Ibbotsons were so intrigued by the request - normally they supply Fresian and Normandy luxury cowhides to homeowners looking to adorn their stylish wooden floors - that they gave the rowers two sheepskins which will help to prevent pressure sores. Justin, an amateur rower but fit enough to have taken part in the world duathlon championships in Switzerland, said: "What an amazing gesture by the Ibbotsons. Among the worst hazards of transatlantic rowing are botty boils and the hides will really help."

Dave said: "The properties of top quality sheepskins for providing comfort are well-known. The soft, natural fibres mean sheepskins are often used in hospitals to prevent pressure sores."

Pam said: "We wish the guys all the luck in the world - and we're glad to have helped put their bottoms in safe hands!"

The sheepskins are not waterproof, but the two men will maintain a regime of one rowing while the other relaxes and hangs out the spare sheepskin to dry in the Atlantic winds.

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, December 17, 2003