THE Basin Oars are at it again – rowing to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The ladies from Heybridge Basin, who started up almost 20 years ago, will be competing in the Great River Race on Saturday, September 5.

The team, who are easily recogniseable in their bright pink outfits and dinghy, will be starting at Greenwich on the river Thames and rowing the 22 miles to Richmond.

This year’s Oars are Jill Doubtfire, Chrys McPherson, Marion Hobden, Brenda Riches and Patti Mead.

They will dedicate their efforts to former team member Jane Fox who lost her battle with cancer six years ago. The Basin Oars are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mrs Doubtfire said: “Last year we were the smallest dinghy and, of course the only pink one. They started us off from Richmond and we finished a creditable 175th out of 287.

“This year the organisers are reversing the race. We hope we can raise a lot of money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

The Basin Oars were founded in 1990 when five women decided to get some exercise and raise money.

The group has helped the RNLI, Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Alzheimer’s Society, Cardiomyopothy, British Heart Foundation and various hospices.

n Anyone who wants to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/thebasinoars.

For more on the race visit www.greatriverrace.co.uk