MEMBERS of a Worcester club spent the weekend on the River Severn to raise money for charity.

The Worcester Rowing Club completed a 24-hour sponsored row, rowing non-stop from 10am on Saturday to 10am yesterday.

Members took on the watery challenge to raise funds for Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave's charity, which aims to improve the quality of life for children in relation to medical, social, educational and economic needs.

Twelve crews of up to eight rowers, aged from 15 to 84, had to complete two one-hour sessions.

During daylight, this could be as far north as Grimley and as far south as the Diglis Basin, but during the night, the crews stuck to the stretch of river in front of the clubhouse, in Grandstand Road.

"There was a real team spirit," said coach Peter Richardson.

"Club members on land kept the rowers sustained with hamburgers and hot drinks. Unfortunately, we picked the wrong weekend weather-wise, with rain and even frost over night. But everyone kept their spirits up and the youngsters really enjoyed themselves, keeping warm in sleeping bags in the clubhouse."

The club hopes to have raised £1,500 and plans to invite Sir Steve to Worcester on Saturday, November 8, to present the cheque to him and will also ask him to officially open its new £250,000 clubhouse.