THRILL-SEEKERS from Gwent made a real splash for charity at the weekend.

More than 25 teams battled it out at Monmouthshire Rowing Club on Sunday in the annual dragon boat race.

The event is held in aid of St David's Foundation Hospice Care, which provides free specialist care for people with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The entrants, from businesses and organisations across the county, each paid £150 to enter crews of eight to ten paddlers, plus a drummer, to row the 500-yard course.

As part of the entry requirement they also each raised a further £550 in sponsorship, and all funds raised will now go to St David's Foundation. Charity bosses hope this year's event will net them up to £10,000.

After a nail-biting race, the Motley Crew, from The Bridges community centre in Monmouth, were crowned winners and took home the trophy for the second year running.

The team completed the final 500-yard course in just 65.05 seconds, beating their nearest rivals by just .03 of a second.

Regional events fundraiser Kris Broome said: "The dragon race is always a popular event as it's for all the family.

"We've had great support for this year's event, from chief executives to cleaners and children, everyone mucks in and has a good time. I think the sunny weather helped, too."