Vikings to launch Lagan invasion

Teams of Viking wannabes are taking part

Hundreds of Vikings are to invade Belfast via the river Lagan later - but it's all in the name of charity.

Teams of Viking wannabes are taking part in the seventh annual ChildLine Viking Boat Races.

The bank holiday event helps support the work of ChildLine NI, which has recently joined forces with the NSPCC.

The organisers hope the funds raised will help ChildLine reach its goal of answering every call from every child, the first time they call.

About 160 children try to contact the Northern Ireland call centre daily.

However, due to lack of funds, only about half currently get through to counsellors for the advice and protection they are seeking.

The event gets under way at noon from Cutter's Wharf in the Stranmillis area and finishes at about 1800 BST.