A UNIVERSITY'S female rowers aim to go one better and emulate the success of their male counterparts.

The Durham University women's eight is completing preparations for this weekend's sixth Northumbrian Water Boat Race Challenge, on the River Tyne.

Durham's men and freshers' eights comfortably won their events against rival crews from Newcastle University last year.

But in the closest race of the day, Durham's women were pipped by a length by the Newcastle eight.

Captain Celia Kingston is one of only two survivors from the defeated Durham crew rowing this year and is determined to ensure there is no repeat.

Ms Kingston, 22, a third year student at Grey College, Durham, said that bad weather had hampered preparations, with several recent events cancelled because of poor conditions.

"But we are getting out as a crew about six times a week at the moment, including once a week on the Tyne itself," she said.

Ms Kingston will be joined by Marsaili Scott, Helen Loughran, Louise Buxton, Clare Leake, Naomi Hoogesteeger, Briony Oldale and Emma Crozier in the Durham eight.

The races form the climax of an afternoon of activities on the Tyne on Saturday, starting at 12.30pm with jet ski-ing and dragon boat racing. There will also be entertainment on the Quayside.

The races, over an 1800m course, begin at 3.15pm, 3.30pm and 3.45pm.