Deadline looms for Shrewsbury coracle race

Teams are being urged to sign up for Shrewsbury's annual coracle race, ambitiously called the "2014 World Championship".

Organisers say they need more to make up the usual 48 teams in the massive coracling challenge.

Coracling events to rival the Shrewsbury race are thin on the ground - Shropshire and Mid Wales are among the few places large numbers of the unusual and archaic form of transport can be regularly seen on the water, with an annual Coracle Regatta also held each summer in Ironbridge.

The simple oval shaped one-man boat dates back at least to the bronze age, and was noted by Julius Caesar for its use on the fast flowing streams of Wales, England and Ireland when the Romans invaded Britain in the first century BC.

Since 2007 the Shrewsbury coracle race has been held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, with teams going head to head at the Pengwern Boat Club, and attracts hundreds of spectators each year.

The 48 teams compete in heats to reach the semi finals and then finals.

This year the race will take place on June 14, and organisers hope to raise £20,000 - but those interested in taking part should sign up in the next few weeks to avoid disappointment.

Care home company Morris Care Group has been announced as the main sponsors of the event and will be entering a team.

Helen Knight, Macmillan fundraising manager, said: "The Coracle race has raised more than £125,000 since 2007 and we are very grateful for the support and commitment we receive.

"It's great to welcome Morris Care on board as a new sponsor.

"I would like to thank Morris Care for their sponsorship as well as our committee, teams and supporters, who all make the race possible."

Tim Morris, director of Morris Care, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire. There's a strong alignment between Morris Care and Macmillan Cancer Support's commitment to providing high quality, sensitive care and support to those in need.

"Cancer affects so many of us and this is a great opportunity for us to get a team together and show our support."

For more information or to enter a team in the race email coracleworldchampionships@gmail.com or find World Coracle Championships on Facebook.