It's impressive just how keen Hampshire solicitors are to meet the Law Society president.

Every year, they walk for hundreds of miles, sit in the back of taxis all the way to Paris, or jump out of planes, all for the privilege of shaking hands with the leader of their profession.

They say they do it in aid of the Solicitors Benevolent Association, and while that may be the case, we know all they really want is sight of that presidential crest.

This year's event, which, as usual, coincides with the Solicitors Annual Conference in London, will see a team led by Hampshire Law Society president Anthony Harris embark on an three-day 'canoe cruise' along the Basingstoke canal, the River Wey Navigation and the River Thames, reaching the Festival Pier steps on the South Bank to be welcomed by current crest-holder Peter Williamson.

The event, which last year raised more than 5,000, is sponsored by legal software company SOS (not inappropriately, given the transport).

To sponsor the paddlers, contact SBA director John Griffin at Abels DX 38500 Southampton 3.