ONE of the biggest events in the junior rowing calendar takes place at the Evesham club on Saturday.

The Junior and Oarsome Head of the River race, sponsored by Rooftop Housing, has attracted a bumper 134 crews - 50 more than ever before for this event - in a field that includes four sets of twins!

The event is a timed race for youngsters aged 12 to 18 staged over two courses.

Younger rowers aged 12 and 13 row from Hampton Ferry to the clubhouse, while older competitors race from the Rugby Club.

The host club has 38 crews entered reflecting the strong junior emphasis at the club. Many of the youngsters have taken up the sport through the successful Project Oarsome scheme that promotes rowing in the town's two middle schools - St Egwin's and Simon de Montfort.

Previous graduates have progressed to become medal winning crews at national level.

This weekend's Head of the River will pit the Evesham juniors against strong crews from around the West Midlands - including Stratford, Bewdley, Gloucester and Ross in addition to crews from Oxford and as far away as Bideford and Totnes, in Devon.

Racing starts at 10am with good viewing positions from Crown Meadow. Medals for first, second and third placed crews will be presented at 3pm.

Refreshments are available from the club and profits will be used to support junior rowing. For further details visit www.evesham-rowing-club.co.uk or phone 01386 446131.