NOVICE rowers will be taking to the water to make a splash at this year’s Bewdley Pubs and Clubs Regatta.

Anyone over 18, who can swim 100 metres, is welcome to take part in the popular annual event organised by Bewdley Rowing Club.

It will be held on Saturday, May 30, where teams of four will compete for the top prize of one year’s free membership to the club.

Male, female and mixed crews will be coxed by rowing club members and training for the competition starts on May 1.

Last year, 43 crews took part in the event and organisers are hoping for the same success this year.

Robert Jones, rowing club member, said: “It’s a great family event. Everybody is welcome to come down and support and enjoy the day. It’s a big day out all round and it’s become a big event in the town.

“Last year it went fantastically well. It was a real success and a build on previous years. We had about 700 to 800 people down here throughout the day.

“The aim this year is to build on the success of last year. It’s not just for pubs and clubs. We’re aiming for non-rowing adults.”

The Black Boy Blades, of Bewdley’s Black Boy Hotel, were the winning crew last year.

Paul Jones, 50, John Purcell, 52, Tim Lazenby, 45 and Dave Bennett, 42, have competed in numerous competitions since winning free membership to the club and have joined for another year.

“There’s a great social scene here,” Paul Jones said: “It’s a nice club with nice people and a great atmosphere.”

There will also be musical entertainment at the club on the day with food and drink.

People wishing to take part in the competition, which kicks off at 9.30am, need to complete an entry form which is available from the club by visiting www.bewdleyrc.co.uk