CREWS are preparing to battle it out in one of Hampshire’s biggest spectacles – the Great Waterside Raft Race.

The eagerly-awaited event takes place tomorrow, with a whacky collection of homemade craft tackling a square-shaped course between Hythe Marina Village and the pier.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to line the foreshore to watch the action and see who gets a soaking.

The event begins with a decorated raft race at 11am, followed by a Formula 1 contest that boasts a longer and faster contest for serious racers.

Teams taking part in the hotly-contested pubs event are determined to take the trophy away from Ebenezer’s. The popular watering hole in Pylewell Road, Hythe, has won the prize every year since it was introduced.

The six-race card also includes a ladies' race and a junior event for people aged 17 and under.

Launched almost three decades the fun-filled event is organised by the Hythe and Calshot branch of the RNLI and each year raises about £6,000 for the life-saving charity.

An RNLI spokesman said: "It's one of the few raft races that are held on the sea, which adds an element of excitement not found in river races.

"The course is set out between Hythe Marina and Hythe Pier and is always held between the two high tides unique to the Solent area.

“Apart from the races there are trophies for the 'best presented’ and 'most ingenious' rafts, plus one for the team judged to have made the best overall effort.”

One of the organisers, Terry Ashmore, added: “We’ve got 16 entries so far and we always a get a few more on the day - so we’ll probably end up without about 20.

“Everyone is looking forward to the event and one or two of the crews have had a practice session."