A team from Oxford's French twin town Grenoble will make their debut at one of the city's biggest rowing events this weekend.

The squad will be taking part in this year's Oxford City Royal Regatta, a series of races over two days on Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 6.30pm.

Anna Storrs, spokesman for the event, said: "With the amount of entries increasing year on year, citizens of Oxford will be delighted to hear that the twin town, Grenoble, will make their debut at the Oxford City Royal Regatta during Sunday's racing in preparation for the French National Rowing Championships."

Hundreds of spectators are expected at the annual races on the River Thames.

On the first day of heats, teams will go head to head on a 1,000m course from Christ Church Meadow to Long Bridges, near Hinksey Weir.

This will be followed the next day by the Sunday Sprint -- a 500m dash from Oxford University Boat Club to Long Bridges.

Another highlight of the event is the Corporate Eight Challenge, which features local companies, including motorbike firm Harley Davidson and Blackwell's Publishing, battling it out for their piece of rowing stardom.

The course can be reached from Folly Bridge near the Head of the River pub or from Donnington Bridge.

Refreshments are available throughout the day from various locations along the course and at the City of Oxford Rowing Club, at Donnington Bridge.

The Oxford City Royal Regatta is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1841.