A BUMPER entry of around 260 crews have signed up to take part in Worcester Rowing Club’s popular autumn regatta this weekend.

Rowers aged 10 to 70 will be competing in head-to-head eights, fours, quads, double and single sculls upstream on the River Severn today from the railway bridge to the Regional Rowing Centre next to the racecourse grandstand.

The action runs from approximately 9am until 5pm and features a host of local crews as well as from further afield, many of which are made up of under 18s.

Worcester, King’s School, Stourport, Bewdley, Evesham and Hereford clubs will all be represented, along with Stratford, Swansea, Cardiff, Burton and Oxford.

Event organiser Anne O’Connell said: “It’s the biggest entry we have had for a regatta in recent times.

“Last year a lot of events suffered because of the floods but this year a lot of regattas have taken place and people are keen to keep racing.”

She added: “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to other river users. In return, we ask for a little patience so that everyone can enjoy their day.”

Spectators are welcome and refreshments will be available at the rowing club.