Race sails after insurance worry

The race has taken place for the past seven years

A raft race in Cornwall is to go ahead after fears it would have to be cancelled because of insurance costs.

The Great Cornish Raft Race in Looe usually takes place over a one-mile course in Looe each year during the May Bank Holiday.

The town's Chamber of Commerce had warned the event may not be staged this year because of rising insurance costs.

But a local insurance broker has arranged for cover for the race, which will be held on Monday 31 May.

We've been bailed out Edwina Arkell, Looe Chamber of Commerce

The race, from East Looe beach up the river, brings thousands of people to the resort.

It faced cancellation because organisers were told the insurance premium could cost £3,000, twice the cost of staging the event.

But after hearing about their plight, insurance broker Richard Stevens, who works in Plymouth, managed to arrange for cover from an insurer in Bude for the popular annual event.

Chamber of Commerce President Edwina Arkell said: "We've been bailed out.

"Richard did a lot of running around to get us this and we're delighted about it.

"We had 50 entrants last year and it's a great competition."

The raft race, which will be the ninth held, will take place at 1530 BST on May Bank Holiday Monday as the finale to the Looe Festival of the Sea Fish4ever.

But despite the good insurance news, organisers are emphasising that safety is their paramount consideration.

All entrants are being told to wear suitable buoyancy aids and all children's entry forms must be signed by a parent or guardian.