Dragon Boats set to hit Oulton Broad

EAST Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) is to be the official charity to benefit from this year's East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place at Oulton Broad, next month.

EAST Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) is to be the official charity to benefit from this year's East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place at Oulton Broad, next month.

Now companies and organisations are being urged to enter teams and help raise funds.

The festival takes place on Sunday, May 10, and among the firms who have already entered teams are Marriott Sprowston Manor, Morgan Ashurst (two teams), Great Yarmouth Power Station, Birketts LLP, Sizewell A, Venue of Performing Arts, Hoseasons, British Sugar (two teams), St John Housing Trust, Absolute Mechanical, SLP Engineering and the BP Valhall Redevelopment Project, Midwich Ltd, AKD Engineering, Fishers Hotel, Expro North Sea, TRO, Virgin Money, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and Beach Radio.

Each crew will be encouraged to raise cash through sponsorship for EACH with a special banquet at the China Diner restaurant in Lowestoft, and a group gym session with personal trainer and light lunch at the Marriott Sprowston Manor in Norwich the reward for the team that raises the most. Last year's festival raised more than �30,000 for EACH and organisers, Gable Events, are hoping that this year's event will achieve a similar total.

EACH aims to maximise the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and complex healthcare needs and to support their families. Care and support is delivered in the family home or at one of the three hospices in Quidenham (Norfolk), Milton (Cambs) and Ipswich (Suffolk).

No previous experience is required to take part in the dragon boat racing. The 30ft Chinese dragon boats and all racing equipment are provided and each crew of up to 11 people is guaranteed a minimum of three races. As well as races every 10 minutes between 10am and 5pm, the festival offers an array of entertainment including fun fair, rock climbing, bungee run, human demolition, street entertainers and Chinese lion dance. There will also be a wide range of catering stalls and a bar .

For more information and an entry form contact Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit the festival website www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia