Huge crowds lined the River Brit in West Bay on Thursday night for the annual RNLI Raft Race.

The high-spirited event saw 18 teams enter their hand-built rafts, dress taking inspiration from Nintendo characters to the Barbie blockbuster.

A crowd of hundreds watched at the entrants took to the water and slashed each other with water balloons and pistols in light-hearted fun ahead of the start.

With the race set off by the Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Dave Bolwell, boats raced up the River Brit and back with Just Jammin, from South Somerset based preserve company The Cherry Tree, dressed as strawberries, taking the win.

They were awarded the Eric Hamblett trophy, in memory of West Bay's former harbourmaster, presented for the first time by his grandson Ben Peek. 

The best dressed prize went to local solicitors Porter Dodson, most entertaining was won by Bridport Round Table's Fjord Escort, and Bridmet won top sponsorship, raising £745 for the RNLI.

The event is expected to have raised thousands for the life-saving charity.

Winning team Just Jammin from The Cherry Tree pictured before the race

Just Jammin pass the finish line



The winning team celebrate