MONMOUTH Rowing Club will be hosting rowers from across the UK at the annual two-day Monmouth Regatta this weekend.

Competitors from around 40 clubs will launch out in 430 boats on the River Wye in two separate races.

Several local crews from the area are expecting, including from Monmouth's three schools.

The Regatta, first held in the early 1930s, has attracted the likes of Oxford University, Irish Olympians and London's top clubs in the past.

Organisers are expecting a good turnout after having to close race applications 10 days earlier due to demand.

“It’s great to see the riverbank crowded with boats, rowers and spectators” says Sam Tod, event secretary.

"People can come and enjoy the spectacle of fierce side-by-side racing, or just enjoy an ice-cream beside the river."

Other clubs involved in the Regatta include Cardiff University, Swansea University, Bath University, City of Bristol and Las Vegas Insititute of Sport among many others.

Monmouth Rowing Club spokesman Eric Froggatt said: "We run a good event and that attracts good entries."

On Saturday, boats will race over 1500m followed by the 750m sprint on Sunday.

Racing takes places from 9am to 6pm across both days.

Admission is free, with refreshments available.

For more information, visit monmouthrc.org.uk