Watch: Ironbridge Coracle Regatta simply oar-some
An annual regatta that celebrates the coracle and its connection to Ironbridge was a success despite the weather.
Like many bank holiday events across the county, the Ironbridge Coracle Regatta was held under rain-soaked skies.
Jude Walker, secretary of the Ironbridge Coracle Trust and said: "The regatta was popular and we had 25 boats out on the river.
"They took part in various challenges, including races for novices, beginners, intermediates and experts.
"There was also a competition to see who could do the most spins in 30 seconds, teams playing water polo and 'catch the herring' – where wooden fish are released up-stream and have to be collected.
"We had fantastic feedback from people. Some said it was the most fun they had had in years."
The coracle regatta has been running for about 20 years, but this was the first time the event had been run by the Ironbridge Coracle Trust –
a charitable organisation formed last year by group of local people interested in the coracle heritage of Ironbridge Gorge.
One of the earliest forms of boat, coracles are small, oval fishing boats, similar in shape to a walnut shell and designed to be used by one man.
Ms Walker said the aim of the trust is to preserve the culture and heritage of coracles and coracle-making in the Ironbridge Gorge and on the River Severn.
She said: "We have purchased the coracle shed once owned by Eustace Rogers, a key figure in the story of coracles in Ironbridge."
