The annual regatta held by the Rotary Club of Ellesmere is back once more after a huge turnout last year.

Spectators are invited to join the club at Cremorne Gardens on July 1 for a afternoon of bell boat racing, electric go-karting, live music from Reg Albert Jazz Quartet, a licensed bar and refreshments.

Money will be raised to support Shropshire Royal British Legion Benevolent Fund, CRY Cardiac Risk in the Young and Ellesmere Rotary Charity Trust.

The event welcomed a whopping 3,000 spectators last year, keen to watch 26 crews compete in twin-hulled bell boats battling it out for senior and junior trophies.

This was the highest number of crews to have entered in the 23 years it has been running.

Now organisers are confident they will be able to top previous events.

Geoff Corfield, member of the Rotary Club of Ellesmere said: “Last year we were blessed with wonderful weather and it makes such a difference.

“This year will hopefully be greater than ever.

“The number of application forms has been bigger than before and it looks as if we will have a superb afternoon of racing.

“The number of stalls is also increasing but there is room for some more if anyione wants to take up a spot. The money this year will be going to CRY Cardiac Risk in the Young and the Shropshire branch of Royal British Legion. It definitely has all the makings of being a fantastic afternoon.”

Last year, the Adult Open winners, Tony T’s Torpedoes, a crew from Ellesmere and Whittington, took the trophy for the third year running.

The ladies event saw The Cobbled Together Crew from Cockshutt win, snatching the title from Mama Mia from Shropshire Paddlers in just eight seconds.

Oswestry Girls’ rugby team had the pleasure of winning the youth final for the second year running.

If you are interested in competing or even having a stall at the event you can contact Goeff Corfield on 01939 270 313 or Bob McBride 01691 622 359.

For more information you can visit their website www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1553