Competitors are being sought for this year's River Chelmer raft race to be held on July 13.

The event will take place this year against the backdrop of a Chelmsford River Festival which will include duck races, a radio road show, river trips, dinghy racing and canoe club demonstrations the same weekend.

The raft race, sponsored by Marina One builders Higgins, is organised by the Inland Waterways Association and Chelmsford Lions Club.

They are hoping to beat last year's total of 12 rafts by encouraging more organisations to take the plunge this year.

Any school club, pub shop, office or business may take part.

There are several prizes of £100 and £50 and any proceeds will go to the St John Ambulance.

''We would like to see some more taking part. It is a very enjoyable event for participants and spectators,'' said Roy Chandler of Chelmsford IWA branch.

Each four-person vessel may be no more than ten feet by five feet and life jackets, which can be supplied, along with paddles, must be worn.

The rafts will be launched at 2.30pm on the day for a 3pm start. To enter call 01245 223732.

Mr Chandler, who is also a senior planner at Chelmsford Borough Council, is to give an illustrated talk of Chelmsford Waterfront-the next ten years for Chelmer Canal Trust at Langford Village Hall on Thursday, July 3, at 8.30pm.

Call Dudley Courtman, 01621 892231.

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

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