UP to 100 Worcester schoolchildren will take up their paddles tomorrow to compete for certificates and trophies in the Worcester Bellboat Club Regatta.

The club is organising races for children and teachers from local primary schools including Oldbury Park, Northwick Manor and Kempsey during the two-hour regatta on a 220m stretch of river by Worcester Rowing Club.

Youngsters from the Sunday Club will add to the fun by dressing up as pirates for the event, which starts at 5.30pm.

Club treasurer Malcolm Upward said each boat would be manned by eight children and two adults, each with a paddle.

"All the Worcester schools have the opportunity to use boats, either in school time or after-school clubs," he said.

"We are organising this to promote the Sunday Club, which is open to any age, but mostly primary school children.

"They meet on Sundays for one hour and parents join in.

We sometimes organise picnic trips up the river."