A crew from the Royal Chester Rowing Club at the Groves known as the 'Royals' will be attempting to row a 'Racing 8' boat on a 135 mile stretch of the River Thames.

The three day adventure called the Thames Charity Rowing Challenge will raise money for the Royal Chester Rowing Club Charitable Trust Fund and the NeuroMuscular Centre at Winsford.

On May 18 the crew of 12 rowers aged between 49 and 67, hope to successfully negotiate their way along the river passing sluices, bridge holes and 45 locks.

The course, which starts at Lechlade in Gloucestershire and ends at the University Boat Race Course at Putney, has never been navigated by a boat of this size before.

Nigel Burgess, one of the organisers of the event and a rower said: "It is quite a big boat – 55ft long and when the oars are out 23ft wide.

"Some of the upper reaches will be a difficult task with some narrow bridges 14ft wide.

"Each day we will be rowing between eight and 10 hours."

According to the Rowing Almanac, which records rowing logs around the world, the trip has never been done on a boat of this size.

Nigel, 62, of Sandy Lane said: "We are all looking forward to it and hope to make a record."

The crew, who train on a regular basis, are also getting fitness and training advice.

Nigel said: "We're all relatively fit but we're increasing the length of training sessions."

Ten other charities of personal concern to crew members will also benefit from the individual fundraising including Claire House Hospice on the Wirral, Save the Family, Queens Park High School Association and West Cheshire College.

Further information regarding the event, including details of how to sponsor the crews endeavour, can be found on the club website at www. rcrc. org.uk.