THE weather was far from perfect for Sunday's annual RNLI raft race from Blue Anchor to Minehead, but that failed to deter 39 teams from running the gauntlet with the wind and waves.

Unfortunately, 16 of those 39 had to be towed to the shore as the testing conditions proved too much for many.

Even last year's record-breaking men's team Chevron, from Ross-on-Wye, had to settle for second place as Patrick's Gulpers, from Leominster, came home first in a time of one hour and nine minutes.

The winning time was more than double the record set last year by Chevron of 33 minutes and 31 seconds, largely due to unkind sea breezes and choppy waters.

Race organiser Matthew Thresher said it had been one of the worst races in terms of the weather, but competitors were already pledging to return to do battle next year.

He said: "The weather was absolutely horrendous - it was really lumpy and very windy.

"It was probably the worst weather we have ever had for the race but no-one seems to have been put off and quite a few teams are already planning to return next year."

The first women's team to cross the line was Wonder Y from Tring, who took the same honour last year.

A team from Morris Carpets took first prize for the best fancy dress with their cavemen entry, complete with woolly mammoth raft.

Builders CJ Lynch and Sons were judged to be the most original entry with their innovative thirst aid contraptions, while a team from the Valiant Soldier won the pub challenge trophy.

The first mixed crew across the finishing line was Destroyers from Ross-on-Wye, while Alan Curle claimed the honour of having the best dressed rescue craft.

As always, the whole aim of the four-mile race was to raise money for the RNLI and the bucket collection alone took the day's tally to more than £3,160, with money still to come in from various sponsors.

All the rafts taking part in the race had to be home-made, at least four feet wide, propelled by single-ended paddles and crewed by at least two people.

Competitors came from all over the country to take part in what is one of the biggest raft races of its kind in the UK.

Everyone who took part made it safely back to shore either under their own steam or with a little help from one of the many rescue boats.

Unfortunately, one or two of the racers had to call on the skills of St John Ambulance personnel after succumbing to the chilly weather conditions.

But there was always the grand firework display to look forward to at the end of the evening to raise their spirits.