AN oar-some weekend of fun and fundraising roared into Pembrokeshire as the Welsh Dragon Boat Championships were staged at Llys y Fran Country Park.

The event was Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club’s major fundraiser of the year, and looks set to raise thousands of pounds for five Welsh cancer charities and services - the Paul Sartori Foundation, Tenovus, the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Breast Care Unit at Prince Philip Hospital and Glangwili Hospital’s Prostate Cancer Unit.

The weekend built on the success of last year’s inaugural event to be bigger and better, and saw 22 teams contest the championships.

The photo-finish final saw victory for the Hillbillies - Bill Ridge and friends from Narberth Rugby Club, with Full Bore from the Eagle Inn, Narberth second. In third place was the A team from Adrian Llewellyn building company, with last year’s winners, Dyffryn Taf boys’ team, in fourth place.

“There was a fabulous atmosphere, and we welcomed a huge crowd who enjoyed the fun bicycle hill climb, free camping, free children’s entertainment and free musical entertainment,” said Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club’s PR officer, Mary Adams.

“We are very grateful to all our sponsors, and our huge thanks to Welsh Water for allowing us to use the amazing Llysyfran setting for the event. The Race the Dragon company who provide the Dragon Boats have stated tht it is one of the best venues that they attend in the UK.”