The Loch Ness Monster won't be the only old creature cruising Scotland's most famous stretch of water this summer.

A team of fundraisers from Bradford - with an average age of 60 - is planning to brave the murky waters of Loch Ness in a world record attempt for charity.

On June 16, Joe Marshall, 62, and his team of veteran oarsmen, nicknamed the 'Geriatric Brigade', will attempt to blow away the cobwebs and break the current world record of four hours and 11 minutes for rowing the length of the loch - which spans 22.7 miles.

And team leader Joe believes Nessie will have more to fear from his team than they have from it.

He said: "We aren't bothered about the Loch Ness monster. I think we'll frighten him to death because we're such a bonny looking team!

"Everyone thinks we are mad for even contemplating rowing the loch at our age.

"But it was this or parachuting, and you're not allowed to jump out of a plane if you're over 60."

The ten-strong team is made up of members of the Walter Taylor Lodge at the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes in Bradford, a charitable organisation. They hope to raise thousands of pounds for the lodge's Benevolence Fund, a charity for the elderly, mentally infirm, widows and orphans.

A week on Friday team members Stan Winiarski, 55, Brian Sutcliffe, 51, Thomas Gissing, 67, Laurie Bowers, 60, Peter Williams, 62, Harry Watson, 56, and Joe will officially launch their challenge.

The two youngsters of the team, coxswains Ian Nutter, 33, and 40-year-old Steve Downsborough, will also be on hand for the launch at the lodge's headquarters in Lumb Lane, Manningham.

The attempt will be a trip down memory lane for former landlord Joe who narrowly missed the record in 1976 when he and a team of regulars from his pub, the Army & Navy in Barkerend, did it in five hours and eight minutes.

Joe said: "Last time I think we were quite nave. This group has more sense and I believe more strength. This is a serious attempt although many people think we are mad. I think we will do it."

To sponsor the 'barking' brigade call (01274) 721209.