POOLE'S popular New Year's Day Bathtub Race is set to return on January 1.

The annual Bathtub Race sees teams, decked out in fancy dress, brave the cold water to race each other along the length of Poole Quay.

The charity event typically attracts around 3,000 spectators and has been running for more than 40 years.

This year, the race will start at 10am, teams and vessels should arrive at the launch point in Ferry Road, between 9am and 9.45am for registration and safety checks.

There will also be up to 100 classic vehicles on display from the Sea Music sculpture, where the Lower High Street joins the Quay, from 10am until 12.30pm.

READ MORE: IN PICTURES: New Year's Day bathtub race at Poole Quay

A spokesperson from Poole Tourism said: "One of our most enjoyable annual events is the Bathtub Race that occurs on New Year’s Day.

“This charity focussed event involves crews crafting unique vessels and racing them along the quay from The Custom House Steps to the Lord Nelson.

“Every year, rain or shine, crowds of hundreds turn up to cheer on crews as they race to raise money for a good cause.

“This whacky event is the perfect way to start the New Year as it is an event built on goodwill that isn’t afraid to have a bit of fun.

“We’ve had some incredibly unique crafts grace our waters over the years with the amateur crews showing off the creativity Poole citizens have.

“A fun day out for anyone, the annual Bath Race is an event that you can’t afford to miss.

“Also on New Year’s Day there will be a display of up to 100 classic vehicles of any nationality that must have been registered before the modern style registration number plates came into being in September 2001.

“The vehicles will be displayed from the Sea Music sculpture, where the Lower High Street joins the Quay, eastwards to the Poole Quay Hotel. Vehicles will be on display from 10am until 12.30pm.”

The event is organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners and BCP Tourism.