Elements of the Maidstone River Festival could be salvaged despite the event being cancelled by its organisers.

Boating clubs say they expect hundreds of boats, decked out with bunting, to moor in Maidstone in July for an unofficial celebration.

And the East Farleigh Cruising Club has even floated the idea of saving the annual raft race, which raises vital funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Fred Grafton, vice commodore and trustee of the club, said: “We were somewhat concerned that there were many charities missing out because of the cancellation.

“We will do what we can to support it.”

The festival, which would have been in its 29th year, was cancelled because organisers said new policing charges made it too costly to run.

See this Friday's Kent Messenger for the full story.