THE Evesham Regatta will take place this weekend with shortened sprint' style races - provided there are no further heavy downpours.

The regatta was in serious doubt yesterday with prolonged rain this week making parts of the River Avon dangerous for rowing crews taking part in the Evesham Rowing Club's showpiece event of the year.

Club officials will be keeping a close eye on the river levels throughout the day but have said that with the information they have been given by the Environment Agency, the regatta will go ahead with a shortened course and program.

Deputy chairman of the Evesham Rowing Club, Mark Dewdney said: "We think it will be ok judging on the information that we have been given. We will be holding sprints on both days as parts of the original course are too swirly and unsafe, especially as we have children involved.

"If there is any further rain we will have to think again but at the moment we remain hopeful that racing will take place."

Meanwhile, visitors to the event are being warned that they will be unable to park their cars on Crown Meadow during the event. The area is designated for use only by those involved in the regatta itself.

Regular updates on the river levels and information on the regatta can be found by visiting www.evesham-rowing-club.co.uk