Rowing the Mersey is just one part of a fundraising drive by a group of local students.

The eight-strong team from the Cheshire West and Chester NCS (National Citizen Service) will take to the river on August 19.

Jumping in the boat are Emily Thompson, Emily Hopkins, Emma Harbottle, Jenny Booth, Hannah Jones, Sam McMahon, Danny Chamberlain and Joe Bamber, all 16.

They are raising money for The Joshua Tree, a charity which supports children dealing with cancer and their families.

The group will also be hosting a car wash on August 17 and a cake sale on August 18.

Emily Thompson, who organised the row, said: “I’m looking forward to this being a new experience and the feeling of doing something good.

“I think everyone else wants to get a sense of achievement too.”

Emily added the plan had come together very quickly, but they were all excited to get going.

The NCS programme, based in Ellesmere Port, aims to help 15 to 17-year-olds improve their communication and leadership skills to develop a more cohesive, engaged and responsible society.

For more information contact ncsteam45@hotmail.com.