A FLEET of 25 craft are preparing to battle it out on the water for the RNLI raft race at West Bay.

Organiser Alan Jackson said: “We are looking forward to a nice sunny Thursday evening and hope that people feel inclined to put their hands in their pockets for the RNLI.”

The rafts – which judging from previous years will be a mixture of the ingenuously mad, bad and dangerous to know floating down the River Brit.

The teams will be battling it out to be the fastest, best dressed and most entertaining.

There is sure to be the usual good-humoured rivalry, said Mr Jackson and after the race The George pub is putting on live entertainment.

Mr Jackson took over the organising from Ernie Hix about five years ago.

He hopes this year, despite the many pressures on people to give to worthwhile charities, the RNLI will be better off by at least £1,000.

The event is well covered by the coastguards, a safety boat, lifeguards, St John and even a diver – just in case some of the rafts prove less than buoyant. Judging for the best dressed is done by harbourmaster’s wife Natalie Radcliffe and a new category this year is the most entertaining.

There’s a minimum £25 sponsorship to put a boat on the water and the event starts at 7pm for 7.30pm.

For more information contact Mr Jackson on 01308 427212.