GALLERY - Annual Canvey raft race event hailed major success

The Rotary Club of Canvey held its fifth annual raft race at Thorney Bay Beach - and welcomed huge crowds.

People turned out to cheer on the 18 rafts battling through the choppy waters.

Rod Bishop, a spokesman for the club, said said: “Fortunately the safety boats only had to rescue the crew of one that floundered.

“The first two rafts of each heat competed in a final race with the Expendables coming first to win the £250 prize, which they are donating to the Indee Rose Trust.

“Second was the Columbus Explorer Sea Scouts, coming a close second receiving £100, followed by the Yellow Submarine coming third, despite another raft trying to sabotage them.

“Rebecca Harris MP, Canvey town mayor Alan Acott, rotary district 1240 governor Lesley Sulley and former councillor Ray Howard attended.

“Thanks to the safety boats from the Island Yacht Club and Rotary Satellite Club.

“Thanks also to Mick Allwood and the coast guards for the RNLI Ribs and The Bay Watch volunteers who cleared the matted seaweed from the raft launch area, prior to the start.”

The event was held on Sunday at the beach on Canvey and has become a calendar fixture.