HUNDREDS of visitors are expected on Wearside this weekend for an annual regatta.

Following a drop in interest, the Roker Regatta has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, with more and more families arriving to enjoy both fun and serious events.

Organised by the Roker Regatta Committee, a joint venture between the Wear Boating Association and the Sunderland Yacht Club, the event is almost 100 years old.

Last year, more than 60 competitors took part in each angling competition, and there were a dozen boats in the boat-handling competition, which this year, is being replaced by a traditional "bang and comeback" event.

Today, there will be a dingy race between the piers at 3.30pm, with prizes for both adults and children, and the bang and comeback event will take place tomorrow at the same time.

This involves boats setting off in one direction, a flare going off, then the boats turning around but without using their throttle, giving everyone a chance to win.

A quiz on the river will be held on Monday, from 10am to noon, while boat anglers will be able to show off their skills in events today and tomorrow.

There will be a prize presentation at Sunderland Yacht Club at 3pm on Monday.

For more details on the dinghy race, bang and comeback or quiz on the river, ring (07973) 428456.