A STUDENT rower from St Albans will be coxing a team trying to race a passenger ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam on Friday night.

Ruaridh MacPhee, 20, from Stanley Avenue, Chiswell Green, will be part of as team of 16 raising money for Newcastle University by trying to complete the 496-kilometre distance quicker than the ferry.

They will use two rowing machines on the deck of the ferry, hoping to complete the distance before the ship docks in the Netherlands at about 8.30am.

Accountancy student Ruraidh, who will have to organise relays of rowers and make sure they keep the pace up said: “Although I have got a nicer job than some, I think it will still be quite tough.

“I have helped organise this event as the boat club is always short of funds – it costs a small fortune to run.

“Ever since the age of ten I have been very competitive, wanting to win whatever I am doing.

“That is why rowing appeals to me – it is tough but you get the rewards.”