Water enthusiasts and thrill-seekers are being encouraged to take part in an annual raft race.

The highly anticipated Maidstone River Festival is making a splash on Saturday, July 29, this year.

Organisers are looking for teams of daring oarsmen capable of building their own vessel and propelling it 650m along the race course in the centre of Maidstone.

At stake is the treasured Raft Race Trophy, which will bestowed on the fastest team to conquer the currents in a race from the High-Level Railway Bridge to the Archbishop's Palace.

There will also be prizes for "best dressed raft and for "most sponsorship" money, with all teams invited to collect for the Heart of Kent Hospice charity.

Entrants can expect to see the riverbanks filled with eager spectators, some of whom will be cheering the contestants on, and others who will be doing their best to drench the raft crews with buckets of water as they paddle past.

The race starts at 2.30pm, but rafters will have access to the launch site at Freedom Leisure, located near Whatman Park, from 12.30pm for any necessary assembly or construction.

Crews of up to six are allowed. Parental permission is required for those under 18-years-old.

There is an entry fee of £50 per raft, with all the money going to the hospice.

To enter a team, visit the festival website here.

Or you can call race organiser Stephen Paine directly on 07906 271325.