A WET Bank Holiday weekend failed to dampen the spirits of the spectators and competitors at this year's River Wye raft race extravaganza.

The Farmerz team from Wormelow ran out as eventual winners, but everybody who took part enjoyed a successful, if soggy, event.

Organiser Patricia Hales said that 35 out of 43 teams finished the gruelling 100-mile test of endurance - the longest such event in the world.

High water

"On Sunday night the water levels were so high that we considered not running the Monday leg," said Patricia. "But the sun shone and we managed to finish."

The overflowing River Wye did for one unfortunate team who collided with Hay-on-Wye bridge, but a rescue effort ensured that there were no injuries.

Army tussle

And three army teams -- including one from Germany -- enjoyed their own mini-battle, but as Patricia pointed out 'they couldn't compete with our local boys'.

This year's raft race is expected to raise up to £50,000 to support the elderly and disabled through the Plynlimon Trust.

WITH a record time of 10 hours, 24 minutes and 10 seconds, the Farmerz from Wormelow won the overall title for the second year running.

Runners-up were Ross-on-Wye team Chevron, who finished the 100-mile race in 10.52.46, followed by the Wonder-Wye-Men in third place in 10.56.51.

Hay Wyee 5 Oh came fourth and grabbed the Welsh trophy while Patrick's Gulpers from Leominster, with a time of 11.10.16, picked up the 'fastest mixed crew' prize.

Other strong finishers included The Castaways from Hereford, who came ninth with a time of 11.59.00 and were the fastest eight-person team.

The Pernod Queens from Credenhill picked up the 'most improved raft' award by improving on last year's effort by 18 positions.