ROWERS pulled in the crowds with the help of Daleks while raising cash to fund a new boat for their club.

Around 40 Portland Gig Rowing Club members took it in turns to row the 122km distance of Cherbourg to the island, outside Tesco superstore on Portland.

They undertook the challenge in 10-minute slots on three rowing machines and raised £180 thanks to generous members of the public who threw cash into donation buckets.

Last year the club raised £16,000 for two plastic gigs and half of that money came directly from the public.

Dave Ferris, chairman of the Portland Gig Rowing Club, said: “It went really well and lots of people showed an interest, especially with the Daleks being there.

“There was lots of goodwill when we were raising the money for the plastic gig so I am confident we will get the wooden gig eventually.”

A prize bingo night at Wyke Working Men’s Club raised £600 and rowing club treasurer Wendy Hill thanked the committee and the many local businesses who funded the prizes.

In other club news, the first life-time membership to Portland Gig Rowing Club has been snapped up by Ian Sumby at a cost of £500.

And a boat launch and the naming of the club’s second gig will be held on Sunday, May 22 from 11am onwards at Portland Castle Beach with refreshments and Barbarian Races.

Anyone interested in the sport of gig rowing is welcome to attend.

* To sponsor the club, contact Dave Ferris on 07891400628 or visit their website portlandgigrowing club.co.uk<&eh>