This year's St Neots Charity Boat Race has been branded a "big success" after thousands of spectators basked in the sunshine and enjoyed a day of paddling fun whilst raising money for good causes.

More than 2,000 attendees descended on the Regatta Meadow river bank on Saturday, August 19, to watch 22 teams of eight-10 paddlers furiously battle it out to be crowned the champions.

The Hunts Post: Thousands enjoyed the several food stalls at the event, which included a hog roast, pizzas, kebabs, cheesecakes, and more. Thousands enjoyed the several food stalls at the event, which included a hog roast, pizzas, kebabs, cheesecakes, and more. (Image: Newsquest)

Racing across a 200m stretch along the River Great Ouse, The 'Young Guns' eventually saw off the rest of the competition, roaring across the finish line with a time of 59.72 seconds.

The Hunts Post: The 'Young Guns' picked up the Dragon Boat trophy.The 'Young Guns' picked up the Dragon Boat trophy. (Image: i-d Image Development)

Their race time in the final was the fastest at the event and one better than last year's winners, the Tribal Warriors, who clocked in at 01:00.82.

The Hunts Post: Each race was incredibly close with a few classic photo finishes.Each race was incredibly close with a few classic photo finishes. (Image: Newsquest)

The Hunts Post: Each competitor paddled furiously.Each competitor paddled furiously. (Image: Newsquest)

The day was all made possible thanks to St Neots Town Council (SNTC), who co-organised the event alongside the Rotary Club of St Neots St Mary and St Neots Dragon Boat Club.

READ MORE: St Neots Charity Dragon Boat Race 2022 a roaring success

The events and communications officer for SNTC, Jacqui Coleman, said: "It was great to see the people of St Neots coming together, having fun, supporting each other, and raising money for well-deserved causes.

The Hunts Post: Each competitor gave it their all.Each competitor gave it their all. (Image: i-d Image Development)

"We have been overwhelmed with the kind words from the competitors and spectators who thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The Hunts Post: Each race took place down a 200m stretch on the River Great Ouse.Each race took place down a 200m stretch on the River Great Ouse. (Image: Newsquest)

"We are proud to organise this amazing event for the people of St Neots and can't wait to see everyone again next year."

All the money raised is split between the chosen charity of the Rotary Club of St Neots St Mary's, The Property Angels Foundation, and the Mayors chosen charities: St Neots Man Cave; Little Miracles; A Mindful Paws; Scouts; Beavers; Cubs; Overloaded; Road Victims Trust; Making Spaces.

All of which are St Neots-based charities.

The Hunts Post: Each team had a drummer at the front of the boat to spur the team on.Each team had a drummer at the front of the boat to spur the team on. (Image: Newsquest)

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The MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne, attended the event and said: "What a fabulous turnout at the St Neot's Dragon Boat races, with Riverside Park, packed with families!

"St Neots can be really proud to have such an event."

The Hunts Post: Plenty of fun was had by everyone involved in Dragon Boat Race. Plenty of fun was had by everyone involved in Dragon Boat Race. (Image: Newsquest)

The Hunts Post: Crowds enjoyed a fun-filled day.Crowds enjoyed a fun-filled day. (Image: i-d Image Development)