WORCESTER shoppers did a double take on Saturday afternoon after seeing the unusual sight of a boat in High Street.

But their eyes were not deceiving them as a special rowing boat, the River Dart, was indeed there to promote a good cause.

Members of Team Elijah’s Star and their shore based support crew spent the day in Worcester raising awareness for their ambitious fundraising challenge.

A team of four intrepid adventurers are preparing for the 2021 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in December, the transatlantic 3,000-mile unsupported rowing race from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda.

The four adventurers from across the country taking part in the challenge are childhood friends Phil Bigland, Dean Frost Jason Kerr and Lee McCarthy, now all in their 50s.

They are taking part under the Team Elijah’s Star name, a name chosen in memory of baby Elijah - a premature baby who tragically lived for just 37 days.

The team are raising money for Action Medical Research, a leading charity dedicated to funding medical research to help defeat the diseases that devastate the lives of sick and disabled babies, children and young people.

On Saturday afternoon friend of Phil Bigland, Worcester City Council deputy leader Chris Mitchell, accompanied him in speaking to passers-by who showed an interest.

Mr Bigland said: “There have been people coming up, children wanting their picture by the boat.

"People have been very generous.”

He added that anyone making a donation could give a name of a child born premature, with the boat to be wrapped round with names.

Cllr Mitchell said: “There has been a number of people coming up who are, or have children who were born premature.

"Some have been handing over £100 in cash, on the spot.”

To make a donation, or for more on the challenge, visit elijahsstar.com or search Elijah’s Star on Facebook.