Hundreds paddle in Shrewsbury's Coracle World Championships - with pictures and video

The 10th annual race featured almost 200 competitors, who were raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The competition, which involves teams attempting to row from one side of the river to the other as quickly as possible, has raised more than £200,000 for the charity since it started.

Race committee secretary Camilla Hughes said: "It's a record entry turn-out, we had 48 teams of four enter. We had to close entries a month ago as we had reached our capacity.

"All the teams are local. We've got teams from WR Davies, Tanners Wines, Aarons & Partners, Galliers, and more.

"It's like a relay, normally they row across the river but because the current is so strong and you can't get across easily they are racing down the river and running back up and swapping over.

"We have a cup which goes to the team which raises the most money, another cup for the winning team and medals for first, second and third and prizes for the best fancy dress

"We've been sponsored by JT Hughes for two years, and this year we have charity Rapid Relief Team doing the food which is one less thing for the committee to do!

"It's all about raising money, having fun and raising awareness. Last year we raised about £40,000.

"We're only a committee of eight, we do one event in the year but it's a big one."

Tudor Griffiths Group had entered two teams in the race and was set to raise almost £2,000.

Managing director Tudor Griffiths said the company entered a team two years ago and had decided to come back for another go this year.

He said: "We've already raised more than £1,800 and are hoping to hit the £2,000 mark.

"We're going to do our best and take part, that's what counts.

"We like that it raises funds for Shropshire Macmillan, so it will help local people.

"It's a fun day out and we'll have a bit of a laugh too."

Dressed in pirate costumes were a team from Outsource Corporation, based at Battlefield Enterprise Park in Shrewsbury.

The team was called The Jolly Rogers, after the company owner Roger Withinshaw. Also part of the team were Sonia Rowley, Hayley Wells and Emma Pheby.

Roger said: "It's the first time we've entered this year. We've raised just over £1,200 on our JustGiving page.

"We were very nervous but then we had a practice and none of us fell in so we're still dry."

The rain held off for most of the afternoon as competitors paddled from Pengwern Boat Club.