TWO teenagers are hoping to make the most of their school holiday by rowing the length of the River Thames.

Ryan Staines and Ben Cox, both 15, are trying to raise £35,000 to buy their school – Sir William Borlase's Grammar in Marlow - a new eight man boat.

The pair will set off from the first lock in Wiltshire on August 19 and attempt to row 148 miles over the next four days to reach the Thames Barrier.

Ryan, who lives on Fisherman's Way in Bourne End, said: “Our boat club at school isn't exactly the richest and there are lots of members now. We thought we should try and do something to help.

“We've never done a distance like this before – I think the furthest we've rowed is 20 kilometeres.”

The boys, who will camp along the route, have been rowing for about two years and have already won a silver medal at the national junior championships.

They are asking companies and individuals for sponsorship and have already received offers from Platt's in Marlow, Seiko International and Millgate Homes.

See link below for the boys' fundraising web page.