IF you thought the annual Boat Race was exclusively contested on the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge, then think again.

The Universities of Salford and Manchester are set to go head to head along the Manchester Ship Canal in the Two Cities Boat Race on Sunday, May 8.

It is the 34th regatta but the universities have vowed to make it bigger and better than ever through sponsorship being shared between three good causes.

The seven-event race, which will include both ladies' and men's events, will culminate with the flagship Men's Senior Eight.

But it is the introduction of the dragon boat races, the latest sporting craze sweeping the country, which promises to be one of the highlights of the day.

Cllr Barry Warner, from Salford City Council, said: "This boat race promises to be a fantastic sporting spectacle of which both Salford and Manchester can be proud.

"Salford Quays is already recognised as the home of world class triathlon and the race, which starts at The Lowry, will further establish it as a versatile and high profile venue."

British rower and quadruple Olympic gold medallist, Matthew Pinsent, has given his seal of approval through sending his best wishes ahead of the event.