THE rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people taking part in an annual charity raft race.

The heavens opened at the 52nd Monmouth raft race, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Monmouth.

67 rafts were entered into the race on the River Wye, and they safely made their way from the start at Monmouth Rowing Club.

The rafts then had to travel six miles downriver, and navigate around boulders along the way, to the finish at Tump Farm in Whitebrook.

Raft co-ordinator Paul Sherrington from the Rotary Club of Monmouth said: “The crews were out there having fun despite the weather conditions.

“We want to raise money for St David’s Hospice Care and for the Rotary, which goes to the Rotary and dispensed to the many other charities which we support, both locally, nationally and internationally.

“Last year we raised £25,000 of which 75 per cent goes to St David’s Hospice Care.”

Hywel Lougher was one of those watching the race and was waiting to see his team from his company Lougher Home Care.

He said: “We entered last year, and I built the raft and eight girls got on it and they actually won the ladies race last year.

"All of them are carers, and my wife Sadie is on there too. They have a lot of fun.

“We mainly do it for the charity aspect of it. They are keen to do anything they can for the community."