YORK fundraisers have been messing about on the river - in preparation for a mammoth money-making event next year.

The Rotary Club of York is organising the Great York Dragon Boat Challenge in support of St Leonard's Hospice and other charities.

Thirty colourful boats will dominate the River Ouse on Sunday, July 13, and the Rotarians are now looking for teams to take part.

Rotarian Tony Revell said: "We think the Great York Dragon Boat Challenge is an ideal team-building opportunity for companies and other organisations as well as being an exciting way of raising money for charity, right here in the centre of the city.

"Crews can choose their own charities to support as well as the hospice, and we hope to have lots of activities on the day to make a Gala Day atmosphere and a good day out for all the family. So, over the Christmas festivities, talk to friends, colleagues and fellow sportsmen and women to start organising a team for what promises to be a spectacular event."

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.

The boats are being supplied by The Organisation Event Support and Management Ltd, which will also supply someone to steer each boat.

If you are interested in taking part in the event, which is sponsored by British Telecom, Persimmon plc, the CPP Group and Norwich Union, contact Rotarian David Thompson on 01904 611522, or St Leonard's Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 781576.

Updated: 09:19 Wednesday, December 11, 2002