Raft race returns in front of 'fantastic' crowd

Sam Hepburn A custom-made raft on a river with men dressed in horse onesies and knight costumes on top with oars. — One raft had a medieval theme

A submarine-themed raft won first prize at an annual Boxing Day race in Derbyshire in front of a "fantastic" turnout.

The event was held on Thursday in Matlock Bath, with more than 100 rafters taking part across 21 custom-built vessels over a 3.5-mile (5.6km) stretch.

Dating back to 1961, the race raises money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Last year's edition was cancelled due to high river levels but the comeback event was described as "such a success" by committee secretary Terry Radford.

The Grinches were one of the runners up at the event

Sam Hepburn People dressed in green Grinch masks and red santa outfits waving towards the camera from the top of a raft — The Grinches were one of the runners up at the event

He said: "Turnout for this year's Matlock Raft Event in aid of RNLI was fantastic, with 21 rafts and 117 enthusiastic rafters joining the fun."

First prize went to the destroyer/submarine, with the Grinches and Santa's naughty elves finishing as runners up in second and third respectively.

Mr Radford added: "We also gave a special recognition prize to the Coca-Cola-themed raft for their valiant effort, even though they just missed the podium."

A Coca-Cola themed raft won a special recognition prize

Sam Hepburn Two elves with oars sit at the front of a raft shaped like a red Coca-Cola lorry. A person dressed as Santa Claus sits at the top. — A Coca-Cola themed raft won a special recognition prize

He confirmed donations were currently being counted and the total will be announced on Thursday evening.

A total of 21 rafts took part in the race

Sam Hepburn Kayakers can be seen on a river in between custom-made rafts with multiple people on top of them. The rafts are made from blue barrels bound together by wood. — A total of 21 rafts took part in the race

"A huge thank you to all our rafters, spectators, and sponsors for making the event such a success - we can't wait to see everyone again next year," added Mr Radford.

A destroyer-themed raft was the winner of the race

Sam Hepburn A raft shaped like a grey submarine with six people sat on top of it holding oars. — A destroyer-themed raft was the winner of the race

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The Matlock Raft Event

Matlock Bath

Raft race returns in front of 'fantastic' crowd

Organisers pledge cancelled raft race will return

The Matlock Raft Event

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