WIND and heavy rainfall were not enough to dampen the fire of the competing teams at this year’s St Rocco’s Dragon Boat Race which took place at Warrington Rowing Club on Sunday.

Nothing could suppress the enthusiasm of the 15 crews as they took to the water to support the hospice by raising important funds for patient care.

There were both new and experienced crews taking part from all aspects of life including businesses, a pub, recruitment consultants, retailers, accountants, and groups of friends rowing in memory of loved ones.

After the fiercely contested early rounds it was very tight going into the final, a four-boat race which included Dainty’s Dragons, Zachary Daniels, Accountant Embroiderers from Walker Begley and the Mighty Loaders.

In the end it was a photo finish with less than a second separating all four teams.

Video replays showed that it was the Mighty Loaders who were victorious, pipping the Accountant Embroiderers to the post with Zachary Daniels and Dainty’s Dragons third and fourth respectively.

Rachel Ingham, fundraising manager for St Rocco’s, said: "Our Dragon Boat Race is always a popular event and brings people from across the Warrington community together for their hospice.

"As a charity, we rely on events such as these and the sponsorship they raise, to allow us to continue to provide our care when needed. It was certainly exciting to watch and great to see the support from all those taking part.

"The teams worked hard on the day and they have been working hard in the background to raise sponsorship to support our patients and families.”

St Rocco’s next event is the Colour Bubble Fun at Walton Hall and Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27 at 11am.

You can register now at stroccos.org.uk/events/colour-bubble-fun-run/.