Chippenham's River Festival has received a boost from Ivensys Rail which has agreed to sponsor the raft race again.

Emery Gate and Borough Parade have also sponsored the event, which takes place on August 27 and 28.

This year’s raft race will be only the second for 23 years, with teams competing for the Ivensys Rail Rafting title on the second day of festivities.

Festival director John Clark said: “We are absolutely delighted that Invensys Rail is very generously sponsoring the raft racing again this year.”

Sixteen teams, split according to male, female, mixed and novelty, built and raced their own rafts last year.

Mr Clark said: “This year, based on this success, we are planning for over forty entries.

“We will be contacting businesses, clubs, pubs and other organisations shortly.

“o please start thinking about putting a team together now.”

Managing Director of Invensys Rail Nick Crossfield said, “We are very pleased to sponsor the raft race again.

“It is a way we can put something back into the local community, and we fully support the initiative to make the river a more appreciated centre-piece of town life.”

Last year’s event featured a parachute display from the Red Devils, river boat trips and a pirate finale with Captain Jack Sparrow.

For more information, visit www.chippenhamriverfestival.co.uk