AHOY there! It's time to get crafty with your rafts to get them ready for the Chester Raft Race.

The famous river race - perhaps only eclipsed in fame by the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race - is back on Sunday, June 30, starting at 10.30am.

Entries are now open and those signing up to enter their raft before April 30 will receive the early bird rate.

All proceeds from the race, which is organised by Chester Rotary and Round Table clubs, will go to charity.

Rotary President Elect, Brian Westcott, said: The main beneficiary this year will be children's hospice, Claire House, but that we plan to support other deserving local charities as well."

The theme will be "Chester Heritage and Transport through the Ages" and there will be a prize for the raft judged to best match this theme as well as prizes for the fastest rafts. But most important is for "rafters" to enjoy themselves on the river and provide entertainment to spectators.

Chester and District Standard:

Adding to the entertainment will be UK Fly-Boarder, Jay St John, performing his tricks and there will be children's rides and catering on the Meadows with a bar provided by The Old Harkers Arms..

Principal sponsor, for the second year, will be SP Energy Networks.

Director Stephen Stewart said: "Here at SP Energy Networks we put the local community first so it's great to be able to get together with other members of the community to raise money for fantastic causes, and of course we get to have fun in the numerous rafts we are entering as well.

"We'd like to thank the Rotary Club of Chester for organising the event and we look forward to joining the other participants on the water."

Rules and full details of how to enter are available at www.chesterraft race.org.uk