As daylight broke on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes this morning hundreds of teenagers prepared for the start of the event billed as the canoeists' Everest.

The young crews from schools and clubs all over the country were ready for the Devizes to Westminster canoe race. They were all aiming to finish the 125-mile four-day stage race in London on Monday.

Tomorrow the senior crews in the straight through race will take to the water from 7am.

Among those waiting anxiously in the rain for the start of the junior race were crews from Devizes Canoe Club, Dauntsey's School, West Lavington, St John's School, Marlborough and Marlborough College.

The Dauntsey's squad were accompanied by a number of parents who had been in training for their important role as the support team. It will be their job to make sure the canoeists stay nourished on their arduous journey to the capital.

Friends Molly Lewis and Kate O'Kelly from Dauntsey's, like the rest of the school's crews, have been training hard.

Kate said: "We are a bit nervous but looking forward to it."

The school is raising money for CALM which supports children with cancer and leukeamia and the canoe teams have already raised around £5,000.

Marlborough College students Nick Avery, 17, and Tim Oliver, 17, are raising money for Dementia UK.

Nick said: "It will be hard work but it should be fun."

Devizes Canoe Club was also well represented and amont their crews who were at The Wharf early ready for their 8am start were Ben Walters, 16, and Jamie Cox, 16.

Ben said: "It is our first time in the race but we have been training hard."

St John's pupils Amber Tatham and Lottie Colquhourn have been training since October and are raising money for Wateraid. They said they were feeling confident of a good race.

Devizes Mayor Sarah Bridewell was also up at the crack of dawn to see off the racers along with a number of other Devizes town councillors, Devizes MP Claire Perry and police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson.

Mrs Bridewell said: "It looks good fun but I am glad I am not in a canoe."

The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948. The first 52 miles of the race are held from the start at Devizes on the Kennet and Avon Canal to Reading and then head 55 miles up the River Thames to Teddington.

The final section involves a 17-mile tidal portion of the river to the finish line at Westminster. The race also features 77 portages were competitors have to carry their kayaks or canoes round sections of locks and weirs.

This year there are 347 boats and 621 people entered for the race taking part in one of five classes.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

  • Devizes Mayor Sarah Bridewell and Conservative parliamentary candidate Claire Perry lend support at the start line. Picture by Diane Vose

One crew that had travelled all the way from Sweden arrived in Devizes without a support team but volunteers were found to help them out.

It is expected a total of 347 boats with 621 people will take part in the 2015 race. Weather conditions started with rain and are expected to include mild temperatures and westerly winds over the weekend.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

  • Police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson at The Wharf