TEAM spirit is essential, experience of dragon boats is not.

Winchester Samaritans are appealing for all-comers for this year’s dragon boat race and say there are plenty of prizes up for grabs.

The day’s racing will see teams compete in 40 foot narrow boats, decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail, and propelled by 16 paddlers kept in rhythm by a drummer.

A dragon boat specialist will steer each boat, so no previous experience is needed and every team is given full safety instructions, with all equipment provided.

There will be trophies for the top three crews, the best performing mixed crew (minimum five ladies), the crew raising the most money for charity, and the best dressed crew.

The race happens on Sunday, July 14 at Winchester’s Navigation Canal, Garnier Road.