The derby is the showcase event at the annual North East Rivers Festival and has for many years been organised by festival director Lynden Russell.

But this year, Mr Russell said that he had handed the baton to Bridport's Callum Bensemann.

The 16-year-old has been an integral part of the derby's organisation for some and Mr Russell said that he believed Callum was ready to shoulder the responsibility himself.

"After last year's derby, Lynden asked if someone else could take over as the main co-ordinator and as I've been part of it for a long time, I put my foot in and said I'd give it a go," Callum said.

"The actual set up on the day is probably going to be the easiest part.

"I know quite a bit about how the event runs, but it will be interesting to see how potential sponsors react to a 16-year-old kid's requests for assistance.

"I'm not really sure if people are going to listen to me and take me seriously, but time will tell."

Callum said that he had competed in the iconic event for the past three years and had been down the river seven or eight times.

"It's really good fun," he said.

Mr Russell said that handing over the mantel of main Derby River Derby responsibilities, freed him up to again contest the following day's Bridport 10 fun run.

"I've only done it once before, the first time it was held, but this year I'll try to get a little more sleep beforehand and have another crack," he said.

"I was very sore after my first foray into the event and I've managed to dodge it in ensuing years, but I was conned into competing again this year."

Mr Russell said that he had already been doing some mountain bike training and would soon get back on the track and add a little running.

The Bridport 10 is the final event of the 2015 North East Rivers Festival and will be held at the Bridport Foreshore on Sunday, October 25.