AN annual dragon boat challenge is set to race past the million pound fundraising milestone this summer as it marks its 15th year.

The race, which this year takes place on the River Ouse in York on July 9, has raised £940,000 over the last 14 years for more than 170 local and national charities.

Now Frank Paterson, of organisers Rotary Club of York, says he is confident that more than a million pounds will have been donated to charities by the end of this year.

Club president Eileen Davis said the two principal charities to benefit this year will be MacMillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimers Society.

She said: “I hope this choice will encourage generous public support and make 2017 the year when the 15 years of York Rotary Dragon Boat events exceeds an incredible one million pounds.”

She said application packs had been sent to 124 organisations which had registered an interest in taking part, and this was a clear sign that the challenge had become well known and popular.

“The river and space restricts us to 36 teams and I would encourage everyone wanting to take part to get their applications in before March 4,” she added.