THE incredibly popular sprints eights will see men and women’s section battle it out at Bewdley Regatta this weekend.

The latest innovation to the event sees ladies’ crews in action on the River Severn on Saturday, with the racing set to start at 1pm – 200 metres upstream from Bewdley Bridge.

The sprint eights, which are sponsored by the Mug House, has been going for two years and are seen by many as one of the Regatta’s highlights.

But there will be plenty of racing action over Saturday and Sunday, with over 300 crews set to tackle the course over the two days.

Boats from 77 clubs from across the country are set to compete, with local rivals Worcester and Stourport in action.

Skipper Kat Carlyle said: “We’re really looking forward to the Regatta. The sprint eights have proved to be very popular since starting a few years ago and hopefully the new women’s section will only increase the excitement.”

Racing starts 8am on both days.