DEVON Air Ambulance has launched its latest virtual event, designed to bring creativity and imagination together in a brand-new challenge!

Devon Air Ambulance’s annual Dragon Boat Festival would usually take place at Exeter Quay in September, but as with many events, it can no longer take place due to ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.

This means that those fired up by a new project can unleash the spirit of Devon’s favourite Dragon Boat Festival by hatching a plan to build one’s very own.

It’s not just for children. It’s a fun activity for everyone - individuals, families and friends, businesses, clubs and community groups, who are all invited to take on the challenge and construct an original Dragon Boat using any materials or methods available.

From traditional craft materials, recycling, clay, or paper - to Lego, Minecraft, odds and ends found in the shed or garage, and even cake – whatever floats your boat! (Boats don’t have to float to qualify.) There are no limits to how entrants can apply imagination to a Dragon Boat-build.

Caroline Creer, Income Generation Director at Devon Air Ambulance said: “This competition is perfect for a family summer holiday project, ideal to work on with the grand-children, fantastic for friendly competition between work-place teams or members of your community group can get creative together!"

Caroline added: “Entering the competition is completely free but as our income this Summer is severely affected, if you can donate we would certainly welcome your support to make up for some of the funds we have sadly lost.”

Another way to fundraise for Devon Air Ambulance and to motivate an imaginative dragon boat build is to ask family and friends for sponsorship.

There are four categories: Individuals of any age, Family and Friends, Businesses, and finally, Clubs and Community Groups.

Please make sure when working in groups that you follow the most up-to-date Government guidelines and maintain the social distancing rules as directed.

There are a number of prizes to be won.

The competition runs throughout the whole of August so there is plenty of time to work on a winning Dragon Boat design. The deadline for entries is midnight on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31. Don’t miss the boat!