WHETHER you are out on the water or watching from the shore, a Hampshire town’s annual river games looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Organisers of the 2014 River Hamble Games want to get people active on the water competing, whether it’s padde-boarding, kayaking, sailing or swimming.

But there will also be plenty to get your heart rate up on the shoreline too.

First inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games, this year’s event takes place on Saturday.

It is raising money for the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Hamble Lifeboat.

As well as water sports there are activities on land with a 5km or 10km run along the river bank and through Royal Victoria Country Park.

On Hamble foreshore there will also be plenty of family fun with fete stalls, a jungle buddies playbus and an inflatable slide.

A Hamble fire engine, lifeboat and Hill Head coastguard will be paying a visit and talking to residents about their work. There will be a taekwondo display by the Phoenix School of Martial Arts, a chance to try out percussion instruments with Junior Sparks and racket skills with Jem Tennis.

Youngsters can also try out crabbing and even test their crabbing skills against others in a competition.

St Andrews Pipe Band will march through the High Street and Hamble band Frankie and the Squealers will be playing at the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

The games are run by a committee of volunteers and are supported by the River Hamble Harbour Authority, Eastleigh Borough Council and Fareham Borough Council along with local business sponsorship.

For more information visit riverhamblegames.com.