A Deptford water sports charity is encouraging people to take to the sea for a "life-changing" fundraising challenge, rowing 23 miles along the English Channel.

Registration has now opened for the annual event, and organisers the AHOY Centre are looking for teams from all backgrounds, even those without rowing experience, to sign up for the 2020 Channel Row Challenge.

The sailing charity, located right next to the River Thames in Deptford, provides opportunities and training courses for disadvantaged and at-risk young and disabled people in the area through sailing, rowing and water sports.

One person who completed the challenge last year, part of the HSBC team, said: "Working with the AHOY Centre has been truly inspirational. It's allowed us to see the fantastic work they do, and we've seen how they can take a group of 14 bankers and give us all belief and courage to undertake what has to be the challenge of a life-time."

The money raised will go towards the charity's work providing sailing courses, after-school clubs and apprenticeships to Deptford youths, with events such as these providing 65% of the centre's funding.

The actual challenge involves rowing on the English Channel to the International Separation Zone before returning to Dover Marina, a total of 23 miles.

No rowing experience is needed as the centre provides teams with 20 hours of on-water training and access to a rowing gym and training classes, ensuring people are well prepared.

The AHOY Centre say the challenge is "not for the faint hearted," but allows you to get out of the office, get fit, get your team working together and raise money for a worthwhile cause.

The charity row will take place in the summer months of 2020. To register, enquire online at ahoy.org.uk or email www.ahoy.org.uk.