BRADFORD Dragonboat Festival got off to a great start yesterday as more than 450 schoolchildren took to the water for the festival’s Youth Championship.

Teams from schools representing the entire district took part in the first day of the annual event in Roberts Park, Saltaire, in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

There was plenty of competition during the day as teams competed in three age categories to be named Dragonboat champions for 2017.

Away from the water, there was plenty for children to do, include a wide range of activities and the Education and Careers Zone, where a vast array of employers and further education providers staffing stalls to help students get a better idea of the future opportunities available to them in the district.

Stalls included Bradford’s newest further education centre, New College Bradford, the Bradford Bulls Foundation, and the emergency services.

The action continues today at Roberts Park, with the Lord Mayor’s Championship taking centre stage.

More than 40 teams will be battling it out to be named this year’s champions of the biggest event of its kind in the UK.

The first race today begins at around 9.35am, with the final race of the day scheduled for around 3pm before the grand final sees the the three fastest teams of the day go head-to-head to be crowned champions and take home the prestigious dragon trophy.

As well as the non-stop racing on the River Aire, there will be plenty of action on dry land too, with live music throughout the day on the big stage, as well as market stalls selling a wide range of products and food, and plenty of activities to keep the children entertained.

Sunday sees the Multi-Charity Championship bring the weekend to an end for another year, with more than 40 teams competing in aid of their own chosen charities.

There will be added competition on the day, as World Champions Team GB under 18s will be entering a boat thanks to Hovis and Mercedes-Benz, raising money for Macmillan.

All money raised today goes towards the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, supporting the Down Syndrome Support & Training Service and Wishing Well Appeal.