A HAMPSHIRE mayor is bracing himself for a soaking.

Mayor of Romsey Cllr John Parker will be the star attraction at a charity event this weekend as he takes on Romsey Rotary’s ‘Soaker Bloker Drencher Wrencher’.

Hundreds are expected to throw sponges and soak him with water pistols before he is dropped into a pool of water at the Mayor’s Picnic and Duck Race on Sunday.

The flagship event, organised by the Rotary Club of Romsey Test, is at Romsey Memorial Park.

Entertainment includes music by the Mountbatten Community Choir and the Mountbatten Big Band, dancers from the Academy School of Dance, an assault course with Romsey Scouts.

Cllr Parker will crown the town’s carnival queen Naomi Reading for a second time.

Meanwhile, a raft of plastic ducks will race along the River Test from 4pm to win prizes for visitors.

There will also be an array of traditional stalls and activities.

Mr Parker said: “I’m looking forward to it greatly. I just hope we have some decent weather.

“The Mayor’s Picnic is always good fun, but actually being mayor this time, I think it’ll be even better.”

The fun starts at noon when the Mayoral party proceed from Church Place to the War Memorial Park behind the famous Romsey Old Cadets Band.

Funds will go towards the Rotary Club which will distribute the cash to charities and worthwhile causes.

Families are encouraged to bring picnics.