ORGANISERS of Saltash's 165th Regatta, due to take place this weekend, are sure its host of activities will mark its Millennium billing in style.

The event will be based around the green at the Waterside, as well as on the river. The first day will be opened officially, at noon, by local MP Colin Breed while Saltash mayor Bryan Preston will begin the first race at lpm.

Sydney Harley, president of the small but enthusiastic Regatta committee, who organise events on the water, said there will be 15 races altogether on the Saturday.

On Sunday Caradon gig club will organise pilot gig racing from 2pm, with Saltash sailing club lending rescue boats, and involved in this part of the two day celebration through the gig section.

The Olympic Radio Roadshow will contribute to the entertainment, while there will also be circus workshops, face painting, the town band providing music, and, on Saturday, one-man-band Chucklefoot performing together with a puppet show and the Dave Hawkes jazz band. Sunday will see music maestro, Spats, entertaining, together with Zack Attack's ladder walking and an aeronautical display from Kia Cars Aerobatics. Weather permitting, a Sea King helicopter will give a search and rescue display at 2pm - the festivities on Sunday concluding with an outdoor concert organised by Ashtorre Community Centre with the Royal British Legion Crownhill band and the Pilgrimaires at 6.30pm.

For the athletically minded the Tamar Trotters are organising a 'Magnificent seven' run on Sunday, beginning from Saltash rugby club around 10.15am, with a one and a half-mile fun run arranged as well.