Pool boat race sets a record

A record number of entries has helped make an annual dragon boat race which raises thousands of pounds for charity another roaring success.

Hundreds of people turned out at Himley Hall, near Dudley, as a total of 29 boats took to the waters of the Great Pool in an attempt to row their way to victory.

In a hotly fought contest teams competed against each other in a series of heats, tackling a 250 yard course.

The top six boats then went head-to-head in the grand final which saw a team from Chris Jewkes Fitness, based in Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, win with a time of 1m13sec.

The 14 -strong team, made up of personal trainers and fitness centre members, also scooped the award for the fastest time of the day after finishing in 1m10sec during one of the heats.

Personal fitness instructor Chris Jewkes was taking part in the competition for the first time alongside some of his trainers and members.

"We're an extremely fit bunch and hoped to do well but at the end of the day it's all about having fun and enjoying the day," he said.

And he added: "When we first started we were a bit like headless chickens but as we went on we got our act together and our fitness and endurance paid off in the end."

Solicitor and Chris Jewkes fitness centre member, Nick Sharratt, aged 25, of Birches Road, Codsall, was part of the winning team, and said: "It's great to get everyone together for something like this and for many of us it's our first time."

Hundreds of supporters lined the banks of the water to cheer on the teams taking part in the day-long contest which is now in its 11th year.

Almost £250,000 has been raised for good causes around the area.

Cash raised on the day is split between the rotary club's own charitable causes and each individual team's nominated organisation. Chris Jewkes Fitness was raising money for the Foundation for the Study of Infant

Deaths which aims to prevent unexpected deaths in child infancy.

In second place was last year's winners, the Joner Ark team, from Goodrich Aerospace in Wolverhampton, raising money for Prostate Cancer charity and taking third was Tettenhall College, which also scooped the top schools' prize.

Rotary organising committee chairman Rod Jones said it had been a marvellous day.

"We have had a record turnout this year and I'm so glad people are still happy to come out each year and support the event," he said.

"There were teams of all ages taking part which is nice to see."

Organisers had laid on a feast of other entertainment for visitors alongside the races including fairground rides and displays.