THIS weekend's Dragon Boat Festival on the river Severn has been cancelled because the water level is dangerously high.

Worcester South Rotary Club has been forced to re-schedule the fund-raising event, which every year attracts hundreds of people to the riverside and raises thousands of pounds for charity, after the water levels failed to go down.

Festival organiser David Scott said he was disappointed that Sunday's event won't go ahead but pleased they have been able to move it to Monday, August 27.

"We were hopeful that the river would go down but it's flowing so fast, dangerously fast and it's not worth risking it," said Mr Scott.

"By good fortune all the attractions we had booked are available on the Bank Holiday Monday and I think it;s going to be a really good day.

"It's the last day of the Worcester Festival and we're hoping we'll be able to add to the atmosphere in the city."

Twenty four teams had entered the Dragon Boat race and had been collecting sponsorship money for a number of charities.

Mr Scott said he is now contacting them to find out if they are still able to compete.