A group of Monmouthshire youngsters, eager to compete in an annual River Wye charity race, have bags of energy, commitment and enthusiasm but no raft.

The Chepstow teenagers are in training on dry land,for the 46th Monmouth Raft Race, but as the date for the event draws ever nearer, they are still without an entry.

Brothers Dan, aged 20, and Matt Barnes, 17, of Sharp's Way, Thornwell, Chepstow, have gathered a team of raft racers for this year's event.

UWIC University undergraduate Dan said: "When we competed for the first time last year we were lucky to be able to borrow all the gear we needed, including a raft, however this time we're not so fortunate and desperately need equipment."

For full story see Beacon 10/08/11.