Boat race joy after a bit of skulduggery

But saboteurs struck a popular annual raft race event when holes were drilled in the bottom of competitors' boats.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution Festival took place over the weekend at the Overwater Marina in Audlem, near Market Drayton.

But competitors were dismayed to find skullduggery at play. Both Hibberts and Oxtail & Trotters teams were targeted in the attack and holes were drilled in the bottom of their makeshift boats.

Despite the attempt at ruining their chances, the team from Hibberts won the race after 20 years of competing in the event.

Stewart Bailey, from Hibberts said: "It was a day mixed with fear, tiredness, controversy and elation."

He said the team, which also included Jonathon Manning, Camille Renaudon and Stephanie McPhillips, discovered a leak when they decided to go on a test run.

He added: "It was a good job we went for a test because it soon became clear there had been a sabotage attempt.

"Upon returning from our practice run it appeared that there had been some suspicious holes drilled into the bottom of our raft. The return to shore was a little tense as our raft filled with water."

Stewart said hasty emergency repairs involved masking tape – and justice prevailed when his team ended up eventual winners.

He said: "We steamed into the lead and were first to reach the halfway point.

"Disaster nearly struck when we appeared to be on a collision course with another raft but I managed to push them away with a paddle which almost sank them.

"We were declared the winners, which was even more sweet considering the sabotage attempt. "

The team has been automatically enrolled in next year's event thanks to its success.

Thousands turned up for the weekend festival, which also saw a dog show hosted by vets Leonard Brothers along with owl displays and a historical re-enactment.

The Lincoln County Regulators also held a Cowboy Shoot Out and the local Pole-Fit group showcased aerial gymnastics.

Over the last four years the Audlem Lass Boat Service and Overwater Marina have raised more than £16,000 for the RNLI.