DRAGON boat crews battled it out in a charity event to raise funds for a Worcester Dragon Boat club member who died in a kayaking accident.

The 28th annual Race the Dragon event raised around £1,300 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity that helps saves lives at sea.

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The charity was selected following the death of former club stalwart, Alistair Collier from Worcester, who died in a kayaking accident during a competition on the south coast of England in October 2018.

The riverside was filled with the sound of pounding of drums for the event, where 26 teams raced against one another on the River Severn on Sunday.

Amanda Hughes, from the Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club, said: “The day went really well. We had a lot of people come from the town to support us. It was a glorious day, and everyone seemed to have had a good time. The final was a really close one, with all three finalists finishing within less than a second of each other. Dragon Boating is a great way to get fit, keep fit, have fun and make new friends.”

The boat racing, which took place from the Cafe Severn On The Quay on Grand Stand Road, involved a 200m course, with Worcester based company Mazak taking home this year’s winning title.

Annually, Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club organises the event and trains up competitors, to raise money for a different cause. Anyone wishing to donate can visit worcester-dragons.org.uk.

Worcester Dragons training sessions are held three time a week at Bromwich Parade, in Worcester.

The members take part in training on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm to 8pm, and Sundays between 9.30am and 12pm.

For more information, contact info@worcester-Dragons.org.uk