BUDDING Matthew Pinsents and Sir Steve Redgraves are needed to help a charity take part in a dragon boat race along the river Severn in Worcester.

The Worcestershire Association for the Blind has been invited by the organisers of this year's Dragon Boat Festival to enter a team.

Louise Carlin, the charity's community fund-raiser and publicity manager, said that although she was sure she could persuade some of her colleagues to man the boat, they needed some more willing volunteers to help them make it up the river.

"It's a great opportunity and we're grateful to Worcester South Rotary Club for their invitation to be a part of the event," she said.

"But we do need some help. Anyone who is fit and strong and willing to help us on the day can get in touch with me as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a full team ready to do battle on the day. We need 10 paddlers and one drummer for our boat."

As well as the Dragon Boat Race, there will be a funfair, a floating bar, face painting, a classic car display, and a tug-of-war competition.

Anybody looking for a berth in the boat should contact Louise Carlin on 01905 723245.

More information about the Dragon Boat Festival, to be held on Sunday, July 8, at North Quay, Worcester, can be found at www.wsrcdragonboatfestival.co.uk.