SIR – I would like to express my thanks as the Mayor of Minehead and Alcombe for the efforts put in by the lifeboat crew and everybody else who helped to make the raft race such a great success this year. Once again we have shown that when we all pull together, much can be achieved. Special thanks should go in particular to Derek Williams, Laurence Randall and Matthew Thresher for the hard work that they have contributed individually to the success of the raft race. Officers of the district council have also played their part and shown great support for the organisers, in particular Kay O'Sullivan, Mike Lewis and Janice Malarkey deserve to be mentioned. I apologise if I have missed any individuals I should have acknowledged. The competitors in their rafts should also be thanked for coming to West Somerset and taking part, as without them we would not have the spectacle that the race has become. It was a tremendously successful day and I know from going around and speaking to many, many people who were there that we attracted visitors from all over a very wide area. I did not meet anybody who failed to enjoy the occasion, it really was a fun and enjoyable day for everybody. This year, I was able to make sure that we drew in many more of the small local businesses from the town to be a part of the day and thanks especially to the support of the district council they were able to benefit from the extra trade the event generated. Their contribution was a valuable part of the day, and I know the crafts displays in particular were appreciated. This is just the sort of event that I have been saying for a long time we need to support and develop to help Minehead and the wider West Somerset improve the mix of experiences that are on offer to visitors. I am now already working with the lifeboat team to help plan for next year's event, which we want to be even bigger and better again, and with the support of the district council there is even the possibility of having a really major tourist draw if we can get the Red Arrows to perform for us. Cllr Nick Messarra, Mayor of Minehead and Alcombe.