Eight teams will lock oars this weekend as a popular summer highlight returns to the River Medway in Maidstone.

As dozens of decorated boats have begun to gather, the raft race, which was a staple of the Maidstone River Festival for years, will be back as the centrepiece of celebrations in the town tomorrow.

Teams will paddle 715m against the river's current for the Heart of Kent Hospice Maidstone Raft Race Trophy, sponsored by Clive Emson at 2.30pm, while facing water bombs thrown from nearby boats, and a barrage of water launched from other rafters.

Entries have come from as far afield as Germany, as well as local groups. Maidstone Canoe Club have salvaged the winning raft from 2013 and given it a new lick of paint for this year's re-launched festival.

Bus drivers from Arriva led by team captain Gary Sharpe simply wrote the word “Bus” on their application form, so mystery surrounds their craft, while a team of Scout leaders led by Natasha Simpson will be taking to their Mario-themed raft for the race.

Entries have also come from at West Farleigh Football Club; two Bacon Butty Brigade entries - the “Y” team and the “Z” team, the One-Eyed Walnuts from the Walnut Tree pub in Loose - who received £50 from pub management towards their entry fee along with £100 raised by locals - and FC Geestland from Germany.

Prizes will be presented for the fastest raft, and best dressed at 4.30pm by festival chairman Cllr David Naghi and Karen Newton from the Heart of Kent Hospice. The event has raised £400 for the charity.

More details at maidstoneriverfestival.co.uk

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