THE ANNUAL charity dragon boat race on Weymouth beach was a roaring success.

The town's 17th annual charity dragon boat race managed to raise more than £2000 for local charities.

A total of eight teams took part in this year's race, which is organised by Melcombe Regis Rotary Club.

Miss Weymouth, Emma Whitbread, presented three trophies to winning teams after the event which took place on a sectioned off part of Weymouth beach, close to the pavilion.

The winners of the Granby Shield were Ugly Angels from FGP, the Spirit of the Event trophy went to the team Still Bedraggled, from Castle Cove Sailing Club and the winning team was Porridge, a group of prison officers from Portland YOI.

Teams competed in a number of heats before going into knockout races.

President of Melcombe Regis Rotary Club, Keith Brignell said: “It's been a fantastic day and we've raised a lot of money. This is one of our big fundraising events and all of the money raised goes to local charities.

“Everyone has had a lot of fun and it's so nice to see so many teams take part.

“I want to thank all of the teams that took part, it gets harder each year to get people entering and we would love them to take part again next year.

“I'd also like to thank PGL, we couldn't do this event without them.”

PGL provide all of the equipment for the event, including the dragon boats and life saving jackets.

Public Relations Officer for the club, Ian Brooke said: “It's been a wonderful day. We managed to get eight teams to take part this year and there has been some terrific racing today, it has been tremendous fun.”

The Rotary Club also raised £166 for the charity Shelterbox, which provides emergency shelter for people in need around the world.