PENRHYN Bay charity Prom Ally is bringing a touch of glamour to dragon boat racing.

Founder Ally Elouise and 19 volunteers are joining the Llanberis Dragon Boat Challenge, at Llyn Padarn, wearing suits and prom dresses on Saturday, September 19.

The group are seeking to raise £2,000 to be split between event organisers St David’s Hospice and Prom Ally, which provides Prom dresses to young adults living with financial hardship.

Miss Elouise, who has raised funds for the hospice with everything from childhood bake sales to runs, said: “This is my fourth annual fundraiser and we’re hoping to raise more than ever before.

“I try to do something completely different each year so that people stay interested and keep wanting to donate. I’ve done a Snowdon walk in prom dresses, a glamorous fashion show and now this.

"I think it’s such a unique event and we’ll all look really funny in suits and dresses."

The ancient Chinese sport of dragonboat racing - which involves longboats often decorated with carved dragon heads at the fore - has become one of the world’s fastest growing water sports.

Miss Elouise added: "It was quite easy to fill the boats with my team. Lots of my friends thought it sounded cool and I also have some girls that helped do my catwalk modelling last year joining in with the rowing.

"We won’t be training too hard during lockdown as it’s more for fun than a competitive race but on the run up to the event we could do some video calls or online training together.

"I’m hoping that the excitement and anticipation helps give people something to look forward to during these hard, uncertain times."

While the event is currently still due to go ahead in September, the pandemic has meant that end of year formals and proms have been cancelled across the UK this year.

Miss Elouise said: "Covid-19 has dramatically affected Prom Ally this year.

"Im still running Prom Ally from home, organising and preparing as much as I can for when this is all over. If the proms get postponed to later in the year, I’m still going to be here to help anyone who may be struggling financially with a beautiful outfit for their big night.

"Please follow my social media pages to keep updated during lockdown as I still need as much support as possible to keep Prom Ally going and ready for next year.

"There’s no doubt that this pandemic will have a drastic effect on lots of people’s jobs and incomes, so it’s paramount that Prom Ally will still be there to help when it’s needed."

To donate to the dragonboat team, visit the 'Weʼre raising £2,000 to take part in the Dragon Boat Race Challenge for St Davids Hospice and Prom Ally!' page on justgiving.com.