COATE Water was transformed into a festival of fun, and fundraising, yesterday as teams of dragon boat racers descended.

The Swindon Dragon Boat Race, organised by Phoenix Rotary, saw about 300 people in 15 teams take to the water in front of the many onlookers who came along to enjoy the annual summer spectacle.

Elliott Causton, the media officer for the event, said: “It’s massive for us, this is the biggest event we do. We see this as a year on year event that Swindon can look forward to.

“It’s competitive but it’s also about having fun, you can see people dressing up and enjoying themselves for some great causes.

“This is our fifth year and each time the event gets bigger, the interest level grows and we get more and more returning teams.”

One of those teams back for a repeat appearance was the Silverbacks, who have been the champions for the past two years.

Team captain Kevin Wingfield returned to lead his team of veterans and rookies on to the water, all in aid of their chosen charity, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Also making a comeback in 2017 were father and daughter duo Keith and Ruth Tredget.

In 2016 the pair were teammates but this year there was an added element of competition as they captained their own two teams – Old Boaty McDragonFace and Boaty McDragonFace Jrs – in the competition.

Keith, 57, from Lawn, said the family rivalry just added to the fun.

“We had an amazing time last year, it’s not something you can really practice. Your training is the first heat,” he said.

“We’ve got family, friends, colleagues and a neighbour - it’s a good opportunity to get together and have a great fun day.”

Former Commonweal pupil Ruth, 28, who now works as an accountant in Bristol, was the more confident heading into the contest.

“We’re going to win,” she said, hoping youth would triumph over experience. Keith’s team were raising money for Prospect Hospice, while Ruth and her crew were racing for Brighter Futures.