A GROUP of rowers from the region are preparing to represent their country in a 2,000-year-old sport.

Lenny Webb and Allyson Smith, both of Middlesbrough, and Sharon Whitton, of Hartlepool, are representing Great Britain in Philadelphia, US, in the world championship for Dragon Boat Racing.

It is the third year running that people from the North-East have made it through the selection trials to represent their country in the national finals.

Mr Webb said it was "one of the most exciting adventures of my life".

The sport, which originates from an ancient Chinese myth, involves 20 paddlers in a 40ft boat, with a drummer beating out the time on a large drum.