A RENOVATED canoe from Teesside will take part in an international race today.

Middlesbrough's Hawaiian canoe, the Wa'elele, will be one of 300 boats competing in the 22-mile Great River Race, on the Thames in London.

The authentic outrigger had been standing outside the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum before a band of Middlesbrough Borough Council volunteers restored it and sailed it across the channel to raise £11,000 for charity.

Andy White, the council's head of lifelong learning and leisure, said: "It's good to be taking part in such a big race and flying the flag for Middlesbrough."