Homemade rafts take to river in RNLI race

Homemade raft makers have hopped on their vessels and raced down a river to raise money for the RNLI.

The annual RNLI Raft Race, which took place at West Bay in Dorset, saw 18 teams float along the River Brit while thousands of people cheered them on.

The event, which stipulated that rafts must be homemade, began at West Bay in the 1960s by Ernie Hicks.

This year's event raised more than £4,000 for the lifeboat charity, which celebrated its 200th anniversary this year.

Sadie Miles, chairwoman for the Bridport and District RNLI committee, has helped out with the event in West Bay for 20 years.

She said it was "all very good fun" and "I would say it's just as popular now as it has ever been".

Some of the rafts came made out of barrels or pallets of wood.

"There are always some rafts that struggle." said Mrs Miles.

"One collapsed yesterday and they were given the chance to get back on and continue the race but after the third attempt I think they just gave up."

Local businesses and groups of friends formed teams to take part in the event.

Furleigh Estate's team, the Glady Sailors, won the race and Solo Port Solo Starboard won the award for "most entertaining" participants.

Many of the sailors donned fancy dress and Mrs Miles said her favourite was "a group of girls dressed as seagulls, called the Sea Gals".

She thanked all of the visitors and people who supported the event, and added: "I think the fundraising is vital because the it [RNLI] is so important for saving lives.

"It's important to remember that these people are volunteers and I think they have a lot of respect from the general public.

"They could be a dad or shopkeeper but when they get the call they go and help people in trouble."

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