RAFTERS are getting ready to enter the infamous Totnes Raft Race, held this year on October 1.

Last year teams from as far afield as London, Oxford and Southampton joined the hardy souls from South Devon on home-made rafts down the rapids of the River Dart, from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.

Geoffrey Hyde, of Totnes Rotary Raft Race Committee, said: ‘Last year we had 47 teams enter and they helped us to raise over £13,000 for local charities. So this year our aim is to attract more than 50 teams and raise even more.

‘The event can be a great team-building exercise, a challenge for the adventurous and a great day out on the River Dart from Buckfastleigh downstream to Totnes.

‘We’re looking to attract teams of fun-loving folk to give it a go and raise money for charity – being a little crazy helps I’ve found.

‘If teams have their own charity they would like to support, they can “piggy back” on the raft race to raise funds for that charity too.

‘We ask for £40 for each raft team member towards our charities, but if teams can get sponsorship in excess of that then the excess can be used to support their own charities.

‘Last year we had a team raise £1,500 for their local cancer charity.’

Teams can range from two to 10 members per raft, and must be over the age of 18. Rafts need to be built from a restricted list of materials.

Organisers, the Totnes Rotary Club, have access to barrels to help make a raft if needed.

A finish event is held for spectators and competitors at the Totnes finish line, with various attractions, race progress chart, hog roast, bands and stalls. 

Entry forms and more race details can be found on the race website:  www.totnesraftrace.co.uk.