AMATEUR sailors are dusting off their paddles and gearing up to try their hand at an ancient Chinese tradition.

The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper is hosting its 10th annual Dragon Boat Race on the south bank of the River Thames on Sunday.

And the Oxford Mail’s bouncy castle will be at the riverside to add to the fun.

A dragon boat is similar to a long canoe, decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail.

It needs a team of 16 paddlers and a drummer to keep them in rhythm.

Teams will race each other in a number of heats throughout the day, before the fastest teams compete in the final.

The winning team is then presented with a medal and prizes at a ceremony at the end of the day.

Organiser David Wilde said: “It’s a great family day out by the River Thames. We have got about 15 teams who have entered and in previous years the event has raised about £50,000 for charity.

“They paddle down the river to the sound of Hawaii Five-0. It’s very atmospheric.

“It’s great team building for the teams too, it’s usually companies or different groups who enter and it’s a great day out for the families too.

“This year we will have all the attractions at Rye Farm Meadow, at Abingdon Bridge. Last year we weren’t able to do that.”

He added: “It’s the biggest event in our calendar. I think, over the years, it’s raised about £300,000 for charity.”

Each team will raise about £2,000 for charity through sponsorship, with one third of proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper’s charity fund and the rest to each team’s nominated charity.

The day, which normally attracts between 2,000 and 3,000 people, also promises art and craft stalls, games, a raffle, barbecue, bar and fairground rides.

The first race starts at 10.30am and the day ends between 4pm and 5pm.

For more information visit the website abingdon-rotary.org.uk abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk