NEW knight Steven Redgrave will be guest of honour when a rowing event is launched in the North-East tomorrow.

The Supersprints Rowing Challenge involves a series of races and rowing demonstrations on the River Wear, in Durham city, from 10.30am.

It features round one of the Supersprints Challenge, and includes a celebrity race, with Redgrave and Olympic team-mate Tim Foster taking part, at about 2pm, followed by a speech by the five-times gold medal-winning Olympian.

The Olympic champion begins his weekend in the region attending the Sir Steven Redgrave Dinner, staged to raise funds for rowing in Durham, at the Great Hall, Durham Castle, tonight.

Tomorrow's races can be seen from along the Old Racecourse, in Durham, with children's entertainment, catering and licensed refreshments throughout the day.

Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children, with all proceeds going towards rowing in Durham.