The annual West Bay raft race is set to return this summer as teams get set to sail on the River Brit.

The event, which draws in a huge crowd of about 15,000, sees teams from 20 firms and groups battle it out to win the contest.

The race begins at 6.30pm on Thursday, July 25, with teams arriving an hour earlier. Last year, it raised more than £3,500 for the Bridport and West Bay RNLI.

RNLI Chairperson Sadie Miles said: “The event is exciting and bonkers. Kids love it, parents love it and grown men get really excited about it.”

She added: “This is just a really good, fun evening and is always packed, with people arriving across the afternoon and filling up the bridge and harbour.”

Sadie started her time with the RNLI almost 40 years ago, but the tradition started long before she did being set up by Ernie Hicks in the 1960s.

Participants have to build their own rafts for the event - which starts and finishes at Ire Pool on the River Brit.

Sadie added: “We have water chaos at the finish line past Rise as teams get increasingly competitive and try to sink the other teams’ boats.”

Sadie summed up the event as “organised pandemonium.”

Those who take part are encouraged to wear fancy dress, famous guises or amusing get-up to fit in with the festivities.

Past participants have embraced the fun vibe, dressing in a wide range of costumes from nursery rhyme characters to a team of six Boris Johnsons.

There is a big waiting list for those wanting to participate; teams usually sign themselves up for the following year once they cross the finish line.

There will be live music at The George until 11pm, with Vinyl Monkeys having performed over the last few years.

A further fundraiser - the biggest annual event from the Bridport branch - will be held on Wednesday, August 14, with a BBQ at Seatown Beach outside the Anchor Inn from 4pm.

Last year, the BBQ raised more than £5,500 and will feature a practice rescue demonstration on the beach. The Lyme Regis Lifeboat will also be in attendance.

The raft races are held each year and all over the country to raise funds for RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards.

Long serving volunteers will also be congratulated for their service to the RNLI at the raft race event with thank you certificates.