A team of workers from a regional newspaper press room are taking to the fast flowing waters of the River Dart - on a home-made raft.

The daring team of 10 from the Plymouth Evening Herald will be taking part in the Raft Race 2002.

Led by Captain Phil Lamerton, the Evening Herald team will sail 10 miles from Buckfastleigh to Totnes to raise money for the children's charity Whizkids.

Team member Andy McLelland said: "The raft is 17ft 6in long and six foot wide.

"We have done the first test with it and it went well, I only got wet about five times.

"We are looking forward to the event, it should be a great race."

The rest of the team is made up by Mark Walker, Jenny Wheeler, Mark Hatrey, Chris Thorning, Steve Wakeham, Gary T Tucker, Paul Evans and Darren Jordan.

The race will take place on October 6 from 7.30am until 4.30pm.