Jump aboard at annual raft race

With a theme this year of 'Cartoon Characters from Film, TV or Comics' the outfits of the competitors are sure to be as hilarious as ever.

The fun gets under way from 1.30pm at Anchor Green, Elcho Slipway and the West Beach, with the sand-modelling competition kicking off at about 2.15pm.

Entertaining all-comers throughout the afternoon will be stalls, a tombola, bouncy castles, North Berwick's own yurt, arts and crafts and face-painting among others, while live music will be provided by the likes of North Berwick Pipe Band and local group Rockinhorse, who will play a variety of rock and blues covers.

There'll also be plenty of refreshments in the form of candy floss, cake and ice cream, while a bar will keep everyone refreshed.

But of course the main event of the day will be the raft race itself, which gets under way at 5pm. Rafts and crews should be on the beach by 4.15on, while last year's winners need to return their trophies by the start of the day at the latest.

As well as the winners of the race, this year there will also be a trophy on offer for the 'best dressed' raft as part of the centenary celebrations for North Berwick's Edington Cottage Hospital.

All money raised from the event will be split between the town's RNLI and North Berwick's Music Therapy Project, administered by North Berwick Community Centre's management committee and which provides music therapy to children and young people with additional support needs in the town.

Organiser Peter Hammond said: "The response from local businesses and independent traders has been even better than last year and there will be plenty to see and do on the day as well as the raft race and sand modelling."

Peter is again offering live adverts to businesses on the day in exchange for a �10 donation.

To enter the race, contact Peter at hammopstrange@aol.com