IT was a perfect day or Sunday's annual Raft Race from Monmouth to Whitebrook.

The glorious sunshine brought out a bumper crowd and 81 rafts - nine more than last year - competed in the gruelling seven mile race, organised by Monmouth Conservative Association.

Angela Firth, one of the organisers, said the race had gone without mishap. "There were lots of spectators and the gate takings were up on last year."

Proceeds from this year's event will go to Ty Hafan which provides respite and end of life care for children

Two Monmouth teams took top honours - The Griffin repeated last year's success in the single hull category, finishing in a time of 1hr 3mins, ahead of The Bell Inn, Pontypool (1hr 14 mins).

Monmouth Dog Rescue, masquerading as the Barbie Slappers, were the fastest ladies, completing the course in 2hrs 3 mins!

Winners in the multi hull category were T G Cars, Pengam, with a very fast time of 53mins, six minutes ahead of Six-in-a-Fix (Social Services/Police).

The prize for the best dressed raft went to The Vikings (Norfolk and Good, Horton plc, Leeds).

Race commentators were Edward Evans and Martin Rogers.