The Dragon Boat Challenge in Weymouth saw contestants compete in races for charity.

Teams took to the water on Sunday of the bank holiday weekend to compete series of heats, semi-finals and a final. It was won by a team called the Sozzled Scullers, which was made up of members of Weymouth Rugby Club.

The race returned to Weymouth after it was cancelled last year due to adverse weather conditions.

Steve Haseldine, a member of the Rotary Club of Melcombe Regis which organised the event, said: “We were blessed by the weather. It was always going to be a successful event because of the weather. Everybody enjoyed themselves.

“We plan to make it a bigger event next year. Trying to rebuild it this year was a little more difficult.

“What we are planning to do next year is really publicise the event and hopefully keep the weather.

“It would not be possible without the support of PGL. It was a long day for them. Without this we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

“Everybody entered the race with the right spirit and determined to enjoy themselves. It was great to see so many smiling faces.”

This year’s challenge raised money for end of life care charity Weldmar Hospicecare.

A spokesman for Weldmar Hospicecare said: “It went really well. They had a lovely day for it. We are obviously very grateful that they chose to support us this year.”

The exact sum of money raised by the event for the charity has yet to be announced.

Weldmar Hospicecare is a charity that provides free end of life care in Dorset. It aims to provide both to patients and their families with the help and support that they need.

According to its website, total of 21 per cent of its funds comes from the NHS, while 79 per cent comes from fundraising in the community.