A TEAM of four rowers from the North-East are looking for innovative businesses to help them cross the Atlantic for charity.

While most people can look forward to over-indulging during the Christmas period, the four team mates will be taking on the 3,000 mile rowing challenge, which is billed as the toughest in the world.

But now they are looking for businesses to help them showcase the best innovation from the North-East as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

Guy Clack, a software product manager, Dave Higgins, a mechanical engineer, Claire Hughes, a professional project manager, and Phil Kite, former Reece Group chief executive are known as Team Tyne Innovation, and are also members of Tyne Amateur Rowing Club, in Newburn, Newcastle.

The challenge, which starts on December 12 is expected to take around 45 days, meaning the team will be rowing over the Christmas and New Year period.

A spokesman for Team Tyne Innovation said: “In completing this extraordinary challenge our ambition is to demonstrate the innovative spirit that is alive and kicking in the North-East.

“The boat will become a living exhibit in the months leading up to and during the race.

“We are looking for partners to help us in our quest to use the boat to market the best innovation from North-East and showcase them to the world.”

Team Tyne Innovation are looking to incorporate innovative products, services and ideas that will improve the design and function of the boat, improve the crew’s physical performance, offer protection from the elements, improve communication or maintain the health of the crew.

The team have a £100,000 fundraising target for charities that are close to their hearts, including Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care and the Stroke Association.

Team Tyne Innovation will be among 35 teams from across the world competing in the race.

They are offering a range of additional sponsorship opportunities including Gold, Silver and Bronze for businesses, and Just Donate for individuals. There is also an opportunity to become an Innovation Partner and even vote to name their boat.

For more information, visit teamtyneinnovation.com