Hundreds of people are expected to make a splash when they take to the water in their coracles on Monday.

The annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta attracts hundreds of people including many enthusiasts who travel across Britain to the World Heritage Site.

The picturesque stretch of the River Severn will be transformed into an extravaganza of fun and entertainment at Dale End Park. And, while the professionals will be testing their skills in a series of races, first timers are also invited to take to the water.

There will be traditional versions of the flat bottomed, woven-wood, boats available hand-made from the Green Wood Centre charity.

Used across Europe for thousands of years, coracles are celebrated every year at the popular Ironbridge event. Green Wood Centre spokeswoman Lorraine Murray said: “Contestants will compete individually or in teams to win a variety of prizes, a great chance for any business or community group to prove itself.

“There will be sprint races, relays, a traditionally competitive polo match and some rather daft games, all culminating in the grand sail-past down to the Iron Bridge itself.”

Local businesses can sign up to a special team race for £25 and for others entry is free.

For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, there will be lots of other things going on including stalls, demonstrations and exciting stuff to keep the children happy.

The Green Wood Centre is dedicated to developing greenwood craft skills and better management of woodlands for products and bio-diversity.

Much of its inspiration derives from the gorge’s rich history of coppicing, charcoal making and coracle making which were all thriving before and during the Industrial Revolution.

Hopes are high that attendance levels will be at their highest this year. Last year’s event was a massive success with more than 400 people the action on the river.

For more information call the Green Wood Centre on 01952 432769 or visit www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk

l Pictured are