AHOY there, me hearties. The "high seas" between Arley and Stourport witnessed an epic battle on Sunday as 22 crews fought their way to the finishing line in the annual Kidderminster and District Lions' Raft Race.

From the ramshackle to the hi-tech, the assembled rafts made a dramatic sight as they raced along the swirling River Stour.

The leading rafts made fast time over the nine-mile course, due to the high water levels, said one of the organisers, Colin Hill.

"Sponsorship was raised for a range of very good causes, particularly the Multiple Sclerosis Society," he added.

"Special mention must be made of the girls from Riverside Vets in Bewdley, who built their raft in true 'castaway' tradition, with bits of string, a couple of planks and half a dozen beer barrels. It was very unstable but somehow completed the race before the crew fell in the water."