New supermarket backing regatta

NEW Torquay store Waitrose is celebrating the opening of its new store by helping to sponsor the town's regatta celebrations.

Torbay Royal Regatta secretary Debbie Selley said: "We are thrilled to welcome Waitrose as one of our sponsors for the 2009 Torbay Royal Regatta and welcome them into the town.

"Their input will help enormously towards the cost of the regatta and we are very grateful to them.

"Waitrose will be out and about at all of the regatta events and people can sample various products in the regatta marquee on the harbourside."

Waitrose Torquay branch manager, John Parker, said: "We welcomed the opportunity to be involved with a fun, family-friendly event like the town regatta.

"We are passionate about becoming part of the local community here and look forward to introducing ourselves to the area."

The Torbay Royal Regatta launches on Saturday, August 22, with the West of England Rowing Championships at Hollicombe Park.

This is a family day out with refreshments available and a jazz band from 12pm.

Sunday, August 23 sees the 10K Road Race from Princess Gardens at 7pm.

Last year this saw an entry of over 600 competitors and this year organisers expect to see even more participants entering this very popular race.

On Monday, August 24 is the town firework display.

Spectators will see thousands of pounds of spectacular fireworks let off at 9.30pm from Corbyn Head.

The best vantage points for this are the seafront, Grand Hotel and surrounding area.

On Tuesday, August 25 there is a water skiing demonstration at 7pm.

The Red Arrows will close the regatta at 6pm on Wednesday August 26 with their spectacular display.