THESE Rotarians from York have scooped a prestigious international award.

The Rotary Club Of York has been given the Significant Achievement Award 2005 by Rotary International.

The governing body of Rotary, the world's largest voluntary service organisation with more than 1.2 million members in 168 countries, awarded this to the York club in recognition of their outstanding service to the community.

A certificate was handed over by district governor Chris Garner to club president David Impey at the club meeting in Churchills Hotel.

Chris Garner said: "I am delighted that one of our 78 clubs in Yorkshire has had their contribution to the community acknowledged in this way.

"Over 32,000 clubs throughout the world are eligible and it's a real feather in Yorkshire District's cap that the York club's efforts have been recognised in such a public and tangible way."

Mr Impey said: "This is the first time in our 84 years of service to the community that we have had such an international award.

"There's no doubt that raising over £150,000 for charities from our three dragon boat events has raised the profile of Rotary in York.

"But it's the involvement of all our members with the hundreds of participants and the thousands of spectators that pleases me most. It is a very proud day for me to accept the award on behalf of the Club."

The Great York Dragon Boat Challenge has become one of the biggest charity events in York, with dozens of teams taking part on the River Ouse and thousands of people turning up to watch.

Rotary Club organisers declared this month's event a massive success and hope to raise more than £50,000 for local children's charities.

In a hotly-contested final, British Army team, DST Deserters, were declared the winners, with the Flamborough Lifeboat crew in second place and Harrison Group's Dragon Slayers in third. GNER's team, Flying Scotsman, won the best dressed team after donning tartan hats and kilts.

Updated: 10:58 Saturday, July 30, 2005