There be dragons on the water… But watch out for dinosaurs on land!

Two scarily lifelike velociraptors will be on the loose when Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice stages its third Dragon Boat Race on July 13.

Tricksy and Blue, the villainous characters from the movie Jurassic Park, will be entertaining the crowds from 12-2pm as 25 strong-armed teams row for victory across Manvers Lake in Wath, near Rotherham.

Hundreds of families are expected to turn out to help raise a target of £9,000 for the North Anston Hospice, which relies on fundraisers for 90 per cent of its running costs.

The day will be packed with summer fun for spectators. From 10am the specially-crafted Chinese dragon boats, each crewed by up to 16 rowers and one drummer beating time, will compete against the clock in three heats, aiming to win a place in the final before the day ends at 3pm.

Teams have paid a £600 entry fee, and many will be raising even more for the hospice through sponsorship.

Between cheering on the teams, families can tuck into a giant barbecue, Yorkshire pies and ice cream, and enjoy fairground rides and side-stalls and an inflatable pirate ship.

There will be lots more famous characters in the crowd too, including Star Wars Stormtroopers and George the spaniel, the hospice’s mascot.

Helen Mower, head of fundraising for Bluebell Wood, said: “Our Dragon Boat Race is now in its third year and is bigger than ever. Last year we raised £6,000 and this year, with more teams taking part, our target is £9,000.

“It’s a wonderful, fun event for all the family with lots going on to entertain the kids between cheering on the boat teams, and rest assured that every penny raised will help our families to make special memories, whether they have days, months or years left together.”