HAVERFORDWEST Business Circle’s bid to revive the tradition of an annual Raft Race was an unrivalled success, drawing a massive crowd to the county town’s riverside on Sunday (September 6).

In the first event of its kind in over 20 years, 12 rafts competed for cash prizes in what proved to be a hugely fun family event, with entertainment both on and off the water.

Crews representing JustNice, Haverfordwest Kayak Club, Keeston Old Farmers, Haverfordwest Round Table, The Balfour Club, S&J Body Repairs, County Sports, Vaughans Radio Ltd, KKL Developments, KP Thomas & Son, the Go-Naiads and the Bristol Trader braved the chilly shallows of the Western Cleddau in home-made crafts as they battled it out for rafting glory.

Compere Matt Baker of The Tiddly got the spectators going, and talented singer Chris Didcot belted out tunes in swinging style in between the heats.

The only raft to capsize belonged to The Balfour Club, as four – ahem – “robust” men attempted to balance on pallets atop two wobbly inner tubes.

S&J Body Repairs, with an ingenious “paddle-boat” style craft, clinched first place. Haverfordwest Round Table’s team of brave knights scooped the second prize, and – despite their advanced years – the Keeston Old Farmers sailed in to third place.

County Councillor Tom Tudor awarded the prize for ‘Best Dressed’ raft to Vaughans Radio Ltd, for a raft which featured not only a washing machine but a handy clothes line too.