A CENTURIES-old tradition will see costumed rowers race down the river Thames river in scaly vessels this weekend.

Boats emblazoned with teeth-baring monsters will take to the Thames for one of Abingdon's biggest annual events, which is set to attract thousands to the waterside on Sunday.

More than 300 competitors will cruise alongside crowds for this year's Dragon Boat Festival, run by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper.

Richard Benton, long-time club member and co-organiser of the race, said: "This is a great example of how the river can be used. It's a day of fun, not just a day of rowing.

"It's our main fundraising event in the year. People certainly look forward to it, we get people who come back every year.

"Some teams come in fancy dress, maybe pirates or with wigs on. I've seen some bizarre ones over the years."

He hoped that proceeds could be as impressive as last year, when more than £10,000 was raised, adding to the £420,000 running total since the race started.

This summer will mark the 17th time it has taken over Abingdon's riverbanks, but scholars believe the tradition itself dates back more than 2,500 years.

Chiltern father-of-two Mr Benton, who has been involved with the event for 10 years, said: "It's very competitive, people take it quite seriously.

"It's certainly got more popular. The teams bring all their supporters and spectators, there will probably be between 3,000 and 4,000 people."

The 21 Oxfordshire-based teams, each made up of about 16 rowers, will battle it out on a 250-metre stretch between Abingdon Lock and Abingdon Bridge.

Timed head-to-head heats will be accompanied by the theme tune to classic American television show Hawaii Five-0, as well as the beat of an on-board drummer.

Spectators can watch for free from 10am at Rye Farm Meadow, with action continuing throughout the day until the final at about 4pm.

Prosecco and Pimms stalls and a real ale bar will keep families refreshed as they tuck into the on-site barbecue, alongside entertainment including funfair rides, live music and a raffle.

Teams each select a charity to fundraise for, and part of their efforts will be ploughed back into the rotary club to support local groups and charities as well as several international causes.

Mr Benton, 61, said: "We try to do as much as we can to contribute to the community.

"It's a good social organisation along with being able to do things to help people."

For the past six years Mr Benton has travelled to Calcutta on behalf of the club to help with efforts to eradicate Polio.

He added: "It's nice to see where the money is going."

Event sponsors this year are Alere Toxicology and Digipress.