A DRAGONBOAT racing crew which has seen 50 of its members compete at national and international level is appealing for new recruits.

A year ago, crew from the Powerhouse team based at the River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton competed in the World Dragonboat Championships 2013 in Hungary, coming home with an impressive haul of medals.

The senior ladies claimed gold in the ten man races for both the 200 and 500 metres, while senior men also gained gold and bronze and the premier open crew gained silver for the 2,000 metres ten man race.

This year each of the five crew members who tried out for a GB crew place secured one and the club has the second highest representation from a national club in the GB senior squad. The club’s crew manager, Allyson Butterfield has also been appointed by the British Dragonboat Association (BDA) as GB coach for the seniors over 40 teams.

Christine Renshaw, from Powerhouse Dragonboat Racing Club, said: “The colourful boats and the competitive atmosphere make it an impressive and exciting sport both to watch and to participate in."

Powerhouse aims to promote the River Tees in Stockton as a centre of excellence for dragon boat racing, both nationally and internationally.

She added: “Powerhouse Club currently are top of the Standard league and are looking to recruit and train new paddlers and helms to take part in competitive dragonboating at national league events organised by the BDA.

“No previous experience required as full coaching, training and support are given, plus buoyancy aids are provided for all novices. Anyone over the age of 12 years can give it a go.”

For more information visit www.powerhousedragons.co.uk or call the crew manager Ms Butterfield on 07826-353723.