Blazers and boaters at the ready for Henley Regatta

Thousands of athletes and spectators are set to descend on Henley-on-Thames for the town's world-renowned royal regatta, which begins on Tuesday.

The Henley Royal Regatta dates back to 1839, and sees crews from across the globe take part in more than 400 races across its six-day programme.

British Rowing said this year's event had seen a record-breaking 862 entries from 21 nations - with some of the world's top Olympic rowers set to take part.

But the regatta is much more than just the racing, with supporters donning their best rowing blazers and boater hats as they take in all of the off-the-water entertainment along the Berkshire bank of the River Thames.

Richard Phelps, chair of the committee for Henley Royal Regatta, said this year's entries had "topped the charts".

The record number of participants - which include nine reigning Olympic champions - would "make for some nail-biting races on the iconic" course he added.

Races are held across a one mile and 550 yard (2,112 metres) course and take place across the week - concluding on Sunday.

The event attracts thousands of spectators each year, with the regatta team urging as many as possible to make use of the town's public transport links.

All of the official enclosures can be reached on foot from the town centre, and the train station.

Trains will run frequently between Henley and London Paddington throughout the five-day regatta - with a special timetable operated by Great Western Railway.

Railway users will need to change at Twyford Station, in Berkshire, when travelling to or from Henley to London.

For those who choose to drive instead, a one-way system will be in operation in Henley town centre during the Royal Regatta.

Motorists are urged to follow temporary signs with directions to individual car parks as they approach the town.

Once at the river banks, most guests do not need to follow a dress-code - expect for those in the exclusive Stewards Enclosure.

Women in the enclosure are required to wear dresses or skirts with a hemline below the knee, or jackets or blazers with trousers, or trouser suits.

Meanwhile, men must wear lounge suits, or jackets or blazers with trousers, together with a tie or a cravat.

Rowing club blazers are encouraged for all guests.

Thames Valley Police said it would have an increased presence in the town during the event.

"Neighbourhood teams will be carrying out high-visibility patrols... to deter crime, protect residents and visitors, and provide reassurance," the force said.

"We are working closely with partners to keep Henley a safe and welcoming place for all."

Henley Town Council has urged people not to fly drones anywhere near to the race route's finish line.

It said this was because a pair of peregrine falcons had successfully raised chicks in the area this year.

"The youngsters are now approaching the fledgling stage, when they begin making their first flights, and a local volunteer "Flopwatch" group is on hand to help if any birds come down to street level."

The council said it was a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds while they are nesting or caring for dependent young.

"Although the nest itself is inaccessible to the public, drones can cause unnecessary stress and disturbance at this critical stage," it added.