THE Worcester Dragonboat Racing Club will pay tribute to a former club stalwart at their annual Race the Dragon charity event.

Alistair Collier from Worcester died at the age of 60 in a kayaking accident during a competition on the south coast of England in October 2018.

Amanda Hughes, 42, spokeswoman for the club said: “This year we felt the Royal National Lifeboat Institution would be a good cause as they played a huge part in the recovery of Alistair and they do such a wonderful job helping water users.”

Mr Collier’s body was recovered, along with his kayak from the water by HMS Tyne, 22 nautical miles south of Tyneham in Dorset and taken to Poole Hospital by coastguard helicopter after an extensive search.

Mr Collier, an accomplished kayaker, had been taking part in a race off Studland in Dorset.

Club member Sue Handy, 60, said: "He was such a strong athlete and all-round nice guy and he played a big part in the club as a committee member.

"Nothing was too much trouble for Alistair and he helped new comers to the club.

"When we heard of his death, it was such a sad day and we still miss his presence."

Around thirty teams have entered from all over the UK and although each team can select their own charity, a percentage of money they raise will go to the host club.

Thirty teams have entered from all over the UK and crews have had a maximum of three training sessions each to compete on the day along a 200m course down the River Severn.

The event will be held from the Cafe Severn On The Quay on Grand Stand Road on Sunday July 7 between 9:30 - 5pm.

Members of the public are welcome to watch and money will also be raised for the charity by the sale of refreshments.

The competition is fully booked for this year.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit: www.worcester-dragons.org.uk