OUR Julia's House appeal will have fire breathed into it if organisers of a dragon boat race in Chippenham have anything to do with it.

The annual race on the River Avon organised by The Rotary Club of Chippenham Wiltshire Vale will take place on July 16 and some money from each entry will go to help boost the funds of the children's hospice charity.

In addition a team from Goughs solicitors will be racing and giving all of its sponsorship to Julia's House.

Gough's partner Jonathan Shipton, who is based at the firm's Devizes office where Julia's House will open a new hospice next year, said: "Each crew that enters can bequeath funds it raises to the charity of it’s choice but the Rotary Club takes a proportion of that and donates to the pre agreed Rotary charity, which this year is Julia’s House.

"In addition, Goughs have a crew in the race and will be donating the funds it raises to Julia’s House as well."

This year's dragon boat race will be the eight organised and over the years has so far raised more than £65,000 for charities and community groups.

Teams of up to 17 usually with 16 paddlers and a drummer will take to the water in a series of races in a bid to win medals. Many teams dress up and a prize for the best fancy dress is also awarded.

The event takes place in Monkton Park at the same time as Art in the Park family fun day and there will be a beer tent, food and games for spectators and crews.

To find out more go to www.rotary-chippenham-wv.org.uk/page15.html

* People will also be able to help raise funds for Julia's House by a silent art auction that is being staged in the Neeld Community & Arts Centre in Chippenham on July 23. Chippenham Rotary Club and Chippenham Town Council are sponsoring the event that will run from 10am to 3pm.

A spokesman said: "We have invited many local professional and amateur artists to support this event, which they have done willingly, so we are able to offer items in many art forms which should appeal to all members of the family. We hope people will help us to show them our appreciation of their support by coming along to this event and being generous with bidding."

For those who want a pre-view of the artwork pictures have been posted on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/chippenhamrotary where it is also possible to bid in advance of July 23.