Faversham brewery Shepherd Neame has once again signed a partnership deal with The Boat Race.

The annual battle on the Thames between boats from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge takes place on Sunday, March 26.

More than 250,000 people are expected to line the route to enjoy the spectacle.

Shepherd Neame will be the Official Beer and Supplier for the event. It first partnered with the race last year.

It means the brewer's beer will be available at the fan parks in Hammersmith and Fulham which will have big screens to show the race.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “The Boat Race is the epitome of British style, sporting excellence and tradition, and we are delighted to once again be the Official Beer and supplier for this prestigious event.”

It joins another Kent firm - Tenterden-based Chapel Down - in partnering with the race.

The wine maker is the event's Official Celebration Partner - meaning the winning teams will be popping corks of its sparkling wine on the winners' podium.

It signed a two-year deal with race organisers last year.

Both fan parks open at noon. The women's race starts at 4pm with the men's at 5pm.

TV coverage will be provided on the BBC.