A DEESIDE charity champion is rowing from Connah's Quay to Chester in aid of Cancer Research UK and in memory of a local fisherman who died recently.

The annual charity row, which this year takes place on September 20, has been organised by Ray Woolley and his fellow members on the Deeside Volunteers Committee with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

Mr Woolley has been organising fundraising events for the cancer charity for nearly 50 years, after sadly losing his brother to the disease early on in life.

And this year, he's rowing in memory of Flint fisherman Christopher Mossman - whose body was recovered from the River Dee on August 29.

He won't be doing it alone, with Deeside Volunteers Committee member Casey Burke to join him - with the hope being that he'll take up the mantle once Mr Woolley rows the route for the final time.

Mr Woolley, 80, said: “I'm getting to an age now whereby I won't be able to do this for much longer, and I hope young Casey can continue the tradition once I'm forced to call it a day.

"We’re trying to raise as much money as we can before handing over a cheque to the charity after our row. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored us so far.”