Shrewsbury Dragon Boat Festival in pictures and video

The competition held at Shrewsbury's School's Pengwern Boat Club, on the opposite bank to the town's Quarry Park, is a huge charity fundraiser for Severn Hospice and sees friends and work colleagues band together to compete each year in 40ft Dragon Boats.

With 39 teams taking part this year – nine more than usual – and hundreds of spectators, the event is expected to have raised more than £50,000 for the hospice once the money is counted.

Hannah Gamston, event fundraising officer at Severn Hospice, said: "It was perfect Dragon Boat weather, sunny but not too hot, and we had loads of people come down and support us.

"The final was the closest final we've ever had, there was just 0.3 of second between first and second place."

Winners this year were a team Ashcocks, representing Teford business management consultancy firm the Aktrion Group, with a time of 1 min 12.51 seconds, followed closely by 2 Can Army at 1 min 12.81 seconds.

Also in the final were Gaynors Oars in third place, the Phoneybouys from BT Openreach in fourth, World Wide Wowers from Shropshire Council Premises Services in fifth and Crossfit SY1 in sixth.

Hannah said: “For over a decade our Dragon Boat Festival has been a popular addition to our calendar of events, with thousands of people enjoying a great day out in beautiful surroundings each year.

"It’s a fun-filled day for all those involved but there is a serious side to the event, helping us raise much-needed funds to enable out caring teams be there for the next person who needs our help.

“Our mission is to provide the best possible care and a better life for people living with an incurable illness, and those important to them.

"By taking part in events like our Dragon Boat Festival, and raising sponsorship money, people are directly contributing to the vital services we provide across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

“It’s been a brilliant day and out biggest Dragon Boat Festival to date. On behalf of our patients and everyone at Severn Hospice I would like to thank all the teams and everyone who joined us to cheer the teams on, it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable day for all involved.”