RACES will begin this morning in the 176th Durham Regatta.

Rowers will take to the River Wear, in Durham, from 8am, with races beginning every two minutes until early evening.

The event will continue from 8am tomorrow, before a presentation in Durham Town Hall during the evening.

Over the weekend, more than 1,000 rowers will compete in the event, dubbed the Henley of the North, while several thousand are expected to watch the drama from the riverbanks.

Organisers are hoping the good weather holds and produces a strong turnout.

The Durham Brewery has brewed a special Regatta Ale and the weekend will be sponsored by chartered surveyors Bradley Hall.

A number of events are planned for the fringes of the regatta, including live music, a miniature railway, dog handling display and fire brigade demonstration.

A classic car show on the university playing field will feature between 150 and 200 vehicles from the Twenties to the Eighties.

Motorists bringing a vintage car will get a free drink on arrival and the show winners will receive a Durham tankard.