ROWING enthusiasts from Worcester will be taking on a 24-hour festive fitness and fundraising challenge.

The Row Ho Ho event will see members of Worcester Rowing Club exercising for a full day on two rowing machines from 5pm on Saturday (November 29) to 5pm on Sunday (November 30).

Rowers will take it in turns to use the equipment and collectively they hope to tally up a total of more than 640km.

Members of the public will be able to donate towards and cheer on their efforts at the CrownGate Shopping Centre, where the rowing marathon will take place.

Money raised from the challenge will be used to buy a new safety boat for the club to provide coaching and rescue services to its athletes.

The club, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2014, has seen an influx of young members over the last couple of years since the London 2012 Olympics increased the profile and popularity of rowing.

Almost 100 12 to 17-year-olds now row with the club and the new safety boat will be vital for their continued safety and training.

About £5,000 is needed to purchase the new vessel.

For more information visit wrc1874.co.uk