MALDON Gig Rowing Club have two more weekends to prepare for their River Thames challenge on September 3.

The club have entered both their gigs in the Great River Race - 21.6 miles from Millwall to Richmond Park.

This is a championship race for UK traditional fixed seat boats with a minimum of four oars or paddles.

The Harkers Yard Gigs Record Reign and Ready will be prepared for launch on the morning of September 3, together with over 300 other boats for a midday start and a truly spectacular celebration featuring 2,400 competitors.

Maldon Gig Rowing Club welcomes all sponsorship for the race, to help raise funds for improvements on their launch pontoons on Maldon Quay.

Suzanne Wood, of the Maldon club, is trying to encourage novices and new members to come along and have a go at the sport and activity of gig rowing and get more people enjoying river activities for competitive sport and leisure activity.

The club website is www.maldongigclub.org.uk