Thundercats will be roaring into Lowestoft next month as high-speed inflatable powerboats take to the water off the Claremont Pier.

The boats, known as Thundercats, are two-man inflatable catamarans. They will be racing from 10am to 3pm each day on October 1 and 2, starting at the pier and heading 250 metres north, with people able to see the race for free.

Lowestoft is well known for powerboat racing and the pier's promenade provides a suitable vantage point for viewing the race. The Lowestoft leg of the 2011 Thundercat Racing UK programme is the final race of the 13-stage series and will see the awards presentation at its conclusion.

Waveney councillor Bruce Provan, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and economic development, said: 'We are delighted to welcome another exciting event to Lowestoft.

'Thundercat racing will provide exhilarating entertainment and we hope the event will be a great success so it can continue for many years to come.'

The sport hails from South Africa and can take place in all conditions. It makes for a spectator friendly experience as the action happens just off the shoreline.

Events co-ordinator at Thundercats Racing Ltd James Tapp said: 'The Lowestoft event is set to be one of the most extreme waterborne events to hit the east coast.

'The natural landscape of Lowestoft is ideal for this sport, for both spectators and participants, and we're really looking forward to this calendar date.'