HUGE crowds in the Groves by the River Dee in Chester greeted over 30 rafters in glorious sunshine and a strong headwind battling for honours in this year's Chester Rotary and Round Table Charity Raft Race.

Thanks to the generosity of spectators, over £2,000 was raised in the bucket collection which will help boost the amount contributed by the entrants for the benefit of Claire House Children's Hospice and other local good causes of Chester Rotary and Round Table.

This year's raft theme was 'Chester Heritage and Transport through the Ages' and the winner was 4C Access Scaffolding with their brilliant stagecoach creation The Duke.

Fastest raft was by the Crocky Trail team, with second fastest being event main sponsors SP Energy Networks: SPEN DVMW (Wrexham).

Fastest ladies team was the Druid Inn, fastest hostelry team was Hickory's Chester on HMS Victorious.

Finally, taking the honour of Titanic Ultimate Sinker was Sprostons.