WITH the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta just weeks away, local rowing committee member Kevin Pyne is making his annual plea for oar sponsorship.

 ‘I have on order four pairs of blue boat oars,’ said Kevin. ‘They work out at an incredible £250 a set, which when you think they are only seven-and-a-bit feet long seems a lot compared to the heavy boat oars.

‘But they are desperately needed and I just hope that sponsors can be found for them. It’s an on-going project and they don’t last forever, although as the rowing has got better we seem to be breaking less.’

Local marine artist Paul Barclay has kindly sign written them, carrying on a tradition his father, Hugh, did before him.

Any potential sponsor should contact Kevin on 07880923753 or regatta president Hilary Bastone on 07713006110.