Hundreds expected at World Tin Bath Championships

The World Tin Bath Championships began in 1971

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out watch the 53rd annual World Tin Bath Championships in the south the Isle of Man.

More than 120 competitors from the island and the UK have signed up for the solo classes and snake races on Saturday in Castletown Harbour.

Organised by the Castletown Ale Drinkers Society (Cads), the event has raised more than £200,000 for local charities and individuals since first being held in 1971.

The event sees competitors take to the water in decorated tin baths, with the first to cross the finish line - or to have covered the furthest distance before the final vessel sinks - crowned the winner.

Usually held in May, the races are being hosted later this year due to a clash with a car rally and the need for the correct tidal conditions.

Entrants in the male, female and veteran solo competitions will paddle the 350-yard (400m) course in a wide variety of homemade crafts.

The snake race sees teams of six compete

Race organiser Boris Kitching said the event was a "good family day, done with a sense of humour".

While many of those taking part do not make it to the finish line, the "people who sink tend to get the loudest cheers", he said.

The snake race challenge, which sees teams of six work together in a chain to navigate the course in inflatable rings, was "always carnage and a race to the pub", he added.

The championships get underway at 14:00 BST on Saturday.