RAFTS of all types and sizes, but all of them shipshape, are required for an afternoon on the ocean waves at Felixstowe to raise cash for charity.The town's Lions Club is organising the annual raft races and hoping that a large number of groups and firms will join the fun by entering teams for the event.

RAFTS of all types and sizes, but all of them shipshape, are required for an afternoon on the ocean waves at Felixstowe to raise cash for charity.

The town's Lions Club is organising the annual raft races and hoping that a large number of groups and firms will join the fun by entering teams for the event.

The races take place on Sunday August 17 at 2pm and will be the second of two events on the seafront that day run by the Lions, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

In the morning the club will hold its annual charity walk on the prom with walkers able to raise cash for their own favourite causes and also charities supported by the Lions.

There will be four categories for the raft races – professional and constructed rafts, under 18s, a race for rafts made from scratch on the beach, and inflatables with crews aged 16-plus.

Organiser Barry Gillings said the races would take place over a triangular-shaped course between the pier and the Spa Pavilion. The Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol and Rescue Service will be on stand by for any mishaps.

"The winners of each category will receive a trophy and there will be a certificate for each member of every team," said Mr Gillings.

"We hope this will be a happy, fun, enjoyable and entertaining day for Felixstowe and its many visitors and we want to have as many teams and original rafts taking part as possible."

All proceeds from the afternoon will go to the Children's Hospice at Ipswich.

Every person who enters the races will be required to wear a life jacket, no alcohol will be allowed during the races, and the throwing of flour bombs, eggs and other items has been banned as a safety measure.

Junior teams must be supervised by an adult leader.

Entry and sponsorships forms for the races are available from Mr Gillings on 01394 277577 (evenings) or 01394 282699 (daytime).

Details of entry for the sponsored walk can be obtained from David Hedges on 01394 272677.