A BURNLEY student will row in the North's answer to the Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

University of Salford student Austin Wensley, from Lowerhouse, will take part in the 36th Two Cities Boat Race when Salford and Manchester University go head to head on Saturday May 12.

The two university rowing clubs will take to the Manchester Ship Canal - with thousands of spectators lining the banks of Salford Quays to watch the fiercely contested races.

Austin, 19, who is studying East and West European Politics, will row in the Men's Novice Eight.

The seven-event regatta, which will include both ladies' and men's events, will culminate with the flagship Men's Senior Eight in a nail-biting finish to the day.

The crews will compete along the traditional River Irwell course at Salford Quays - starting at Sam Platts pub and finishing at the Lowry Bridge.

Austin started rowing when he went to university in September.

He said: "My rowing ambitions are to start winning races as soon as possible and to make some serious waves in the sport.

"I'm really looking forward to the event."