Bridport Gig Club are attempting to raise funds for a new boat by rowing around Britain - with a slight difference.

The challenge will be carried out on rowing machines in the WI Hall, West Bay.

The club needs to raise £27,999 to cover the cost of the traditional materials and expert building techniques that have not been altered in 150 years.

Committed team members are taking on a mammoth virtual row 1800 miles (2880 km) around Great Britain. Rowers will aim to combine their individual distances until a staggering 2,880,000 painful meters brings them back to West Bay.

A map showing the clubs route around Britain.

The club has a long waiting list to join, saying that they need to expand and are aiming to replace 'Dagger' the clubs first racing gig with a new boat.

"This replacement gig will help towards keeping the club on the water serving its local community," a club spokesperson said.

They continued: "This season has been a really successful one for the club – both on and off the water. Regattas and events attended across the UK involved a wide range of age groups and fitness levels; the enjoyment factor has been there for everyone taking part. Next year we are keen to build on our ability to develop a strong club full of dedicated rowers and run by volunteers, we welcome interest from anyone in the local area who would like to get involved.

"Sponsoring our fundraising efforts would give a real boost to those tackling the thousands of km that we need to achieve our goal."

Click here to make a donation.