Canoeists are back in town

The annual Devizes to Westminster canoe race will again take place this Bank Holiday weekend

THE annual Devizes to Westminster canoe and kayak race will hit the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal again this Bank Holiday weekend, with a multiple world champion aiming to shatter the course record.

Five time world champion Ivan Lawler will be joining 320 boats in the 125 mile race.

With his teammate, Ben Brown, he will be hoping to shatter the 15 hours 34 minutes record set in the 1970s.

The first set of competitors, who aim to complete the course in 4 days, will set off today (Good Friday), arriving at Northcroft Leisure Centre, Newbury, at about midday.

They will depart from Newbury on the second leg to Marlow tomorrow morning (Saturday) from 7am.

The main event, though, the senior doubles, which aims to complete the course without stopping, will be setting off from Devizes tomorrow, passing Newbury between 12pm and 7pm.