CHESTER'S famous regatta is to return to the River Dee to celebrate the event's 270th anniversary.

Once one of the region's showpiece sporting occasions, it has not been held since 2000.

The event is the oldest of its kind and has been part of the city's heritage since it was first started with coracles and salmon boats in 1733.

The regatta is returning for its anniversary on Saturday when the best rowers from across the region will compete for the prestigious Prince Albert Cup and the Victor Ludorum prize of £1,000.

The day promises a full programme as the Amateur Rowing Association bids to restore the popularity of river regattas which, partly thanks to the achievements of Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave, have slipped into the shadow of multi-lane racing.

The 1km race is normally held on May Bank Holiday weekend at The Meadows, but this year it is returning to its traditional home at Sandy Lane.

It has been held back until August to allow more people to take part and avoid clashes with other events on the rowing calendar.

Keith Osborne, editor of the British Rowing Almanac and author of One Thousand Years of Rowing on the Dee, said: "It's wonderful news that the regatta is back.

"In 2001 the Meadows were closed by foot and mouth and last year the Commonwealth Rowing Regatta was arranged for the same weekend.

"In recent years river regattas have been overtaken by multi-lane racing, it is seen as more exciting and the more high-profile competitions have an electric atmosphere.

"The Amateur Rowing Association is very keen to restore and broaden the attraction of traditional river regattas and are allowing the anniversary event to help Chester restore a full weekend programme next year."

Chester Regatta has enjoyed a distinguished place in rowing history, in 1733 most of the competitors were men and women engaged in fishing, using their own boats and coracles to race against each other in mixed doubles between public houses.

When the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race was rowed for the first time in 1829, Chester Regatta was the only established regatta in the country.

Prior to 1830 it was the known venue for amateur racing and Chester was the first rowing centre in Britain.

In its heyday, the Regatta attracted more than 1,000 competitors

Entry is free and racing begins from 10am. Spectators are advised to park away from Sandy Lane and walk to the river as parking is limited.