A STUDENT from Astley will row in the North’s answer to the Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

University of Salford undergraduate Siobhan Mullen will be part of the crew in the 39th Two Cities Boat Race when Salford and Manchester go head-to-head on on Saturday, May 8, along the Manchester Ship Canal.

Rowing clubs from the two universities will take to the water – with thousands of spectators lining the banks of Salford Quays to watch the fiercely-contested races.

Twenty-year-old Siobhan, who is in the first year of a BSc (Hons) Environmental Management degree, will take part in the Women’s Senior VIII.

She was in last year’s winning Women’s Senior VIII team that beat Manchester and plans to work in the environmental sector when she graduates.

She said: “The boat race is a big event in the academic year and it means a lot to represent Salford especially against Manchester."

The crews will compete along the traditional River Irwell course at Salford Quays – starting at Sam Platt’s pub and finishing at the Lowry Bridge.

Money raised by the event will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Salford University Boat Club President, Caroline Dangerfield, said: “In 2009 Salford won the Women’s Senior VIII and this year we will be fighting hard to retain the title!”

As well as the eight-event regatta, the Two Cities Boat Race will feature dragon boat racing in the morning and a festive atmosphere along the quayside with food, drink and live entertainment.

Admission to the event is free. For further information see www.twocitiesboatrace.co.uk