AS the early morning sun shone on the Kennet and Avon Canal scores of teenagers with the bright lights of London on their minds gathered in Devizes this morning.

But these youngsters were not thinking of clubs or bars but the 125 miles of water that stood between them and their bid to complete the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race.

Among those eagerly anticipating the hooter that would start their journey were Dauntsey's girls Yasemin Botterill, 17, and Ellen Hickin, 17, both from Marlborough.

Yasemin said: "We have been training since Christmas. We were rubbish to begin with but we have got better. We just want to finish."

Another pair from the West Lavington school who were hoping to make it to London without mishap were Nathan Sturges, 16, and James Western, 17.

Nathan said: "We just want to finish with a smile on our faces."

Marlborough College was also well represented among the canoeists. They includes Kate Southern, 16, and Steph Evans, 16, who had done well in the preliminary Waterside races leading up to the Devizes to Westminster. After suffering steering problems in their first race they went on to finish second and third in the most recent races.

Kate said: "We would like to finish in under 24 hours."

The junior crews have to do the race in stages with overnight stops but their time in the water is added together to give their overall time.

George Cortazzi, 16, and Joe Sykes, 16, from Marlborough College had also been training hard and were looking forward to the challenge.

Devizes Mayor Roger Giraud-Saunders got the race underway at 8am. He said: "I understand it was pouring with rain last year so I am glad to see the sun out today."

The senior crews aiming to finish the race without stopping will leave The Wharf tomorrow morning.