A FUN annual fancy dress event is set to take place in Maldon to raise funds for a charity which saves hundreds of lives every year.
The Maldon Little Ship Club is hosting a sponsored row and gig race to raise funds for the RNLI.
Previous events have raised thousands of pounds for the charity.
The event, taking place at Maldon's Hythe and waterfront is open to all to enter.
Rowing boats, gigs, paddle boards, canoes and other craft can take part.
Every year participants gather wearing a huge range of fancy dress costumes, which adds to the fun of the winter rowing race.
Larger rowing gigs will embark on a six-kilometre route, turning at the Blackwater Sailing Club before returning to the Hythe.
A shorter four-kilometre course is set for smaller dinghies, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, turning at the end of the Promenade Park, back up to Fullbridge before returning to the Hythe.
The action will be monitored by West Mersea lifeboat ‘Just George’ unless it is out on a call.
Members of the public will be able to watch the race from the Hythe Quay in Maldon and Promenade Park.
A spokesman for the event said: “This is a ‘not to be missed’ winter rowing spectacular on Maldon waterfront when numerous crews paddle or row to raise funds to support the work of the lifeboats and lifeguards who make our coasts and holiday beaches safer places to enjoy.
“If you do any type of boating, including kayaking or paddle-boarding please consider joining in this ‘Row Race’ spectacular to help raise funds for the RNLI.
“Although being on the water at this time of year is a challenge, you will be part of the fun and camaraderie of the event, and enjoy the encouragement of the spectators who donate generously to the RNLI bucket collectors.”
The fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, January 13, and starts at 12.30pm.
For further information, entry forms and sponsorship forms, contact rnli.row.mlsc@gmail.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here