THE rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people taking part in an annual raft race yesterday.

The heavens opened on the day of the 52nd Monmouth raft race, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Monmouth.

67 rafts were entered into the annual race on the River Wye, and safely made their way from the start at Monmouth Rowing Club.

They then had to travel six miles downriver and navigate around boulders along the way, to the finish at Tump Farm in Whitebrook.

Raft co-ordinator Paul Sherrington from the Rotary Club of Monmouth said: “The crews were out there having fun despite the weather conditions.

“We want to raise money for St David’s Hospice Care and for the Rotary, which goes to the Rotary and dispensed to the many other charities which we support, both locally, nationally and internationally.

“Last year we raised £25,000 of which 75 per cent goes to St David’s Hospice Care.”

Mr Sherrington added that he was delighted to see so may people come out and support the event and the rafters along the course, as well as the support from those who enter.

He said: “We get excellent support every year, and we have regulars who have been coming for the past 12 years and we get new people who want to do it.”

Hywel Lougher was one of those watching the race and was waiting to see his team from his company Lougher Home Care at the halfway mark.

He said: “We entered last year, and they actually won the ladies race last year.

“We mainly do it for the charity aspect of it. Everyone has a lot of fun.”