THE annual Durham Regatta will be held this weekend with record numbers of people taking part.

The event, known as The Henley of the North, attracts competitors from Britain and as far afield as Canada.

Durham Regatta is five years older than Henley, and is a qualifying event for Henley Royal Regatta and Women's Henley.

The entry this year is the largest in the regatta's history, with 233 races on Saturday and 240 on Sunday

Taking place on the River Wear in Durham City, the races are fast and furious, starting every two minutes from 8.30am to 6.30pm.

They follow courses of either 700m or 1,800m through Elvet Bridge and finish at Counts House.

Juniors under 14 compete in their own Junior Jumbles regatta on the Minute Reach, below Kingsgate Bridge.

The youngsters' event is organised under the auspices of the Amateur Rowing Association's Project Oarsome.

For the first time, the Harry Clasper Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the Men's Junior 16 Sculls.

Harry Clasper was a celebrated North-East Victorian oarsmen who rowed many times in the Durham Regatta.

The regatta is a family event and offers a range of other attractions, including a parachute display, vintage car and motorcycle competition, trade and craft stands and refreshments.

The event will run from 8.30am to 6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10.

Admission costs £2 for adults and 50p for children over nine. Younger children, OAPs and the disabled get in for free.

The event will be AA sign-posted and parking is free to regatta visitors on the site.