YOUNG rowers will battle it out on television to scoop thousands of pounds of Lottery funding for a new wooden boat.

Portland Gig Rowing Club’s under 16s section is one of six finalists competing for up to £60,000 in the Jubilee People’s Millions.

Competing with them are members of Lyme’s youth centre The Hub who want to refurbish a derelict building with the cash.

The competition, to be televised on ITV West Country evening news, marks the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Portland club raises all its own funds and since forming in 2009 it has bought two plastic gigs, a small wooden boat and some equipment.

But members are still fundraising to buy their own wooden gig, which would cost £24,000, and equipment like lifejackets, radios, and a trailer.

Club chairman Dave Ferris said: “We are trying to be a bit more self-sufficient with our own equipment.

“We applied twice before for Lottery funding but we didn’t get it. We were put on the reserve list this time but they heard it was such a good project and boosted us up to the shortlist and we are now on TV.”

The club would then be able to encourage more young people to take part in one of the fastest growing water sports.

A successful youth section with 20 members is already running under the coaching of Simon Walker and Tony Boyle.

Mr Ferris said: “When we set up the club we canvassed all the parents on the island and the biggest concern they had with sports like sailing was the cost.

“But kids don’t have to pay a penny to do gig rowing. We fund it all ourselves by doing charity events. “The only thing we do ask of them is to help with fundraising events.

“The sport will never be as popular as rugby or football but it’s an ideal sport for an island surrounded by the sea. It’s free for young people, it’s low impact and it’s good for all the family.”

The six finalists will be broadcast on the regional news from June 27 to 30.

Each night two groups will appeal for viewers’ support with the public voting by phone.

Four £60,000 awards are up for grabs in the region, including a bonus award for the runner up who receives the most phone votes across the week.

Filming will take place on June 19, the same day as the club will host the first youth Dorset Championships, and televised on June 28.

Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund’s head of the South West region, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign and we look forward to seeing a hotly contested competition where the public will be able to choose which projects take home these special grants.”