Boat lovers and landlubbers alike are in for a treat in Shaldon from this weekend as the village’s annual regatta gets underway.

As one of the oldest Regattas in England, the nine day event includes serious races for competitive rowers through to fun on the beach for all ages with sandcastle competitions and the famous pillow fight on a pole contest.

Shaldon Regatta aims to encourage people of all ages to use and enjoy the river and sea safely and the organisers have rowing dinghies, kayaks sailing dinghies and seine boats available to borrow.

Shaldon Regatta kicks off on Sunday (August 17) with a long-distance row from Dawlish to Shaldon. It runs until Bank Holiday Monday (August 25) when Regatta closes with a prize giving and grand draw.