MEMBERS of a Liskeard girls' rugby club rowed the distance from Cornwall to Wales to raise funds for their April tour.

Twenty Liskeard Leopards got together at Lux Park Leisure Centre to row to Gilfach Goch where they will compete this spring.

Secretary Ann Demaine said: "Leopards' girls come from far afield to play, so they decided to row from Bodmin to South Wales, a distance by road of about 190 miles.

"This is one of many fundraising efforts that the club is undertaking to enable the whole club to go away this April."

James Chudleigh of Looe Gig Rowing Club leant the team four Concept 2 indoor rowing machines, allowing them to notch up 109.73 miles – the distance to Gilfach Goch as the crow flies.

"This event drew everyone together for the day with a distinct sense of camaraderie as their legs and arms ached," said Mrs Demaine.

"Not everybody could stay for the full five hours and everyone put in a huge effort.

"Special praise must go to Chloe Stead and Aimee Vian, both of Bodmin College, who rowed 12.8 and 11 miles respectively, and Athalie Redgrove who did the longest single row of 4.7 miles in one effort.

"We are hoping to collect £500 to go towards the tour."

The team thanked all the Lux Park Leisure Centre staff, as well as James Chudleigh and Looe Gig Rowing Club, the parents who helped out and all the potential sponsors.

The Leopards train every Thursday at Liskeard School and Community College from 6.30 to 8pm and play matches in Devon and Cornwall every week.

For details, call Ann and Andy Demaine on 01503 230292 or 07969 519890 or Sarah Kneale on 01208 72379 or 07854 014010, or visit www.leopards.org.uk