There are just over two weeks to go to this year’s Paper Boat Race at Dover's Pencester Gardens which will raise money for the Pilgrims Hospice.

The Dover Mercury has become the media sponsor for this year’s event, which takes place on Saturday June 28, with the first launch at noon.

What organiser Terry Nunn describes as a “charming, eccentrically British custom”, the races were previously organised by Dover Town Centre Management, but following its closure earlier this year, it has been taken up by the London Road Community Forum.

Mr Nunn is hoping entries will range from individuals with a single boat to team entries from offices and businesses in the town.

Primary schools are also being encouraged to join in the fun. Entries are £1 per boat and there are prizes for the fastest boats.

People can pre-book their entries by e-mailing boatrace@londonroad.info A unique number will be emailed back.