The race, originally devised by local man Donald Ingram, to attract funds for research into cancer and kidney disease has reached dizzy heights as each year ever more fantastic rafts and costumes compete for an array of trophies for the fastest, the best - and the most money raised. To mark the event's birthday, Donald Ingram has been invited to present the prizes this year.

Administration for the race was entrusted to the Garioch Lions in 1992 with the proviso that proceeds continued to support the same two causes researched at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. With rising popularity, the Lions have so far raised around £55,000 from this event alone.

Rafts come in all shapes and sizes and in various degrees of ingenuity subject to a few health and safety regulations. Using a variety of materials, some are built well in advance while others are thrown together at the last minute.

Garioch Lions Member, Jim Duff said: "We have no idea until the day what the rafts are going to be. We get some real crackers – they go from the sublime to the ridiculous. A few sink and are abandoned, and then they have to be recovered from the water.

"Last year a group made a raft representing Thomas the Tank Engine, complete with smoke, and the amount of work that went into it was amazing. Sometimes the ones that are thrown together at the last minute are the ones that survive!

"The creations get better and better every year and the fancy dress is often out of this world."

Entries rise each year and become more and more diverse. In 2008, P7 pupils from Kemnay Primary School will be taking part, with a change of crew at local beauty spot, Shakkin Briggie, representing the half way mark.

Hoping for a fine day Jim Duff commented: "We are hoping for a large crowd at the start and the finish and a large amount of entries which will benefit both charities."

Refreshments and family entertainment will be provided by ice cream and burger vans, stalls, bouncy castle and disco, and Aberdeen Air Training Corps, who set up headquarters at the finish line, will be on hand to monitor the progress of the race.

Judging starts at noon as rafts and costumes vie for 'Best Decorated Raft', 'Best Homemade Raft' and 'Best Fancy Dress'. Other trophy winners are established after contestants pass the finish line. The race proper begins at 1pm from Kembhill Park, Kemnay and ends at Don Bridge, Inverurie.

Entry and donation forms are available from Garioch Lions, Jim Duff on (01467) 622564, Rab Cromar on (01467) 624089 or Brian Law on 07876 687476.