THE parents of a Malvern oarsman taking part in today's world famous Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge have spoken of their pride.

Linda and Andrew Scott will be watching their 22-year-old son Colin from near the start-line in Putney, south-west London along with three other family members - one flying in from New York for the occasion.

The Scotts live in Castlemorton but will be moving back to Malvern in a few months time.

Mrs Scott said the family had special tickets to be at the Cambridge boathouse for the annual event, now in its 154th year. "We will be hanging over the balcony as we watch them go out into the water. It is such an exciting day," she said. Forecasters have warned the occasion could be marred by bad weather. The racers will have to battle choppy water as they race head-to-head for four-and-a-quarter miles along the Thames.

Earlier this week the light-blue team was dealt a bitter blow when their strokeman, American Shane O'Mara pulled out due to illness.

However, Mrs Scott said the Cambridge crew were in high spirits as his replacement Ryan Monaghan was well known to them.

"They do seem to be in high spirits but it was a small set-back for them," she said. "But I am sure they will be fine." Colin has been rowing since a pupil at Worcester's Royal Grammar School in the Tything, and Mrs Scott attributes some of his success to them.

"He has grown up to be a great young man. We are very grateful for all the opportunities that the Royal Grammar School have given him, from the rowing to being able to get into Cambridge," she said.

His parents knew a month ago that he had been picked for the team and they know he is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.

"All of the crew is particularly good in terms of working through things before a big race. They are prepared by their coach for it and it is something we have seen him do before. They are extremely well focussed," she said.

The race is live on ITV 1 with coverage from 4-6pm.