WINCHESTER Samaritans is calling on businesses, community groups, families and friends to sign up as teams in their Dragon Boat race running this summer.

The race, which will take place on the Itchen Navigation, will be on Sunday, August 25. 

Anyone over 18 can form a team, and the charity will provide everything racers need. 

Dragon Boats are canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon heads and tails, and will be crewed by up to 16 people per boat sitting in pairs.

With a drummer on each boat to keep the paddlers in unison, and a professional helmsperson in the stern to guide the boat, crews will paddle as fast as possible competing over a distance of 250m. 

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The race marks the return of an event last hosted in Winchester in 2013. Prospective racers can register their interest online.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the vital work of the Winchester Samaritans branch.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Even if you've never stepped in a boat before, our Dragon Boat Race is open to you. This is the ultimate team-building activity for a corporate team, the ultimate family reunion, or the ultimate summer challenge for a group of friends! 

"And most importantly: by taking part and raising funds, you will help save lives and support our community. Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year to provide emotional support to anyone who needs us. In a typical month the Winchester branch of 120 volunteers answers 1,600 calls, spending 500 hours on the phone."