A ROWING spectacle is set to return to the River Thames after being cancelled last year over safety fears.

Abingdon Rowing Club is preparing to make a splash with its spring Head of the River event, which will see 360 teams take to the water as families watch from the riverbank.

Last August the club told competitors on its Facebook page it was 'heartbroken' and 'truly sorry' to have to call it off at the last minute, as strong currents thwarted health and safety.

But club committee member Paul Wenman said hundreds of rowers are eager to make a comeback at Rye Farm Meadow next week.

The Abingdon resident said: "It's quite exciting from the club's point of view. It's a massive team effort to get the river ready and the land ready. We are hoping it will be a great day out.

"It was a major disappointment to have to call it off last year, the conditions were too fast-flowing and we were concerned about safety under the bridge. It wasn't so much the weather, it was the water."

The event runs on Sunday, April 9 with races beginning at 9.30am and ending at 4.30pm.

It sees teams gather from across the country to compete in 2km timed heats, which begin near Culham Lock and finish near Abingdon Bridge.

Families in Rye Farm can also enjoy a barbecue, a Loose Cannon Brewery beer tent, homemade cakes and jingling performances by the town's Morris dancing side.

They can also dot themselves along banks of the Thames if they want to get closer to the action.

Mr Wenman said: "From participants' points of view it's a real challenge, it takes weeks and weeks of preparation. It's a major effort to get crews ready. People come from quite a long way.

"[For audiences] to watch rowing live rather than on the television is much more exciting. We are hoping people will come down, watch some exciting rowing and have a few pints of beer."

Mr Wenman said the event, which is free to watch, helps to remind residents of the river that sits at their doorsteps.

The business owner, who only took up rowing last year, added: "Abingdon looks completely different from the river, you really appreciate how lovely the place is. It's an opportunity to make the most of it - it's a beautiful spot."

Teams pay a small fee to take part, and registration to compete in the event ends at midnight on Friday.