A BATTLE of titanic proportion will be taking place at Great Marlow School as two teams go head-to-head for a rowing world record.

Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell will be leading the Leander Club against the current holders of the Red Nose Row 100,000 metre challenge - Royce's Gym from Wigan.

Competitors will take their marks on Wednesday under the watchful eye of students and international television crews.

The event is closed off to the public but the Bobmore Lane school in Marlow has ten sets of two tickets to give to the highest bidders. Money raised from the bids will go towards Comic Relief.

Headmaster Clive Ricks said: "It is probably the last competitive rowing event that Sir Steven is likely to participate in so don't miss the opportunity to be part of history."

Leander Club in Henley set the record for the 100,000 metre ergo row last year with four hours, 44 minutes and 32 seconds but that time has since been reduced by Royce's Gym to four hours, 40 minutes and 48 seconds.

The event begins at 9.45am and is expected to conclude at 2.15pm. Refreshments will be available in the hall and seats close to the action have been reserved for spectators.

Bids must be in by Monday lunchtime. You must send a letter to the school detailing the amount you are prepared to offer and a daytime contact number. Successful bidders will be notified by Monday afternoon.

Send your bids to Clive Ricks, Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1JE.