MINEHEAD Raft Race organisations say early indications point to a record-breaking event.
Tough conditions on Sunday for the five-mile course from Blue Anchor to Minehead saw many exhausted rafters taken on board by lifeboats from Minehead and Barry, as well as and a small flotilla of local fishing boats.
The event, staged to raise money for the RNLI, is expected to top last year's record total of £11,000, with more collectors than ever before, including a number of Butlins Redcoats, rattling the tins for the lifeboat charity.
Spokesman Matt Thresher said: "Without the help of local sailors we couldn't have managed.
"The wind was against the raft crews all the way, and there was quite a swell as they left the beach at Blue Anchor."
Valiant Soldier, Roadwater, celebrating their 20th year taking part in the race, took the new Butlins Cup as first local raft home.
For the full story and tywo pages of pictures see Thursday's County Gazette.
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