Bar staff from three Oxfordshire pubs took to the water to support sailing for the disabled.

The group raced kayaks on Farmoor Reservoir for more than six hours to help fund a £500,000 pontoon for disabled people at the site.

The six pub managers and assistant managers from The King's Arms in Sandford-on-Thames, The Barley Mow in Clifton Hampden, and The Fox at Boars Hill, had originally planned to race down the River Thames.

But fast currents forced them to switch to the reservoir, where plans are under way to build a pontoon with ramps, hoists and a state-of-the-art lift to give disabled people easier access to boats and less reliance on volunteers.

Pontoon project fundraisers have so far collected £250,000 and construction is expected to start in January.

The spiralling cost of metal has dented hopes of getting the pontoon finished quickly — with half a million pounds now needed to finish the job.

Speaking after Wednesday's event, Miles Fricker, landlord of The Barley Mow, said: "It's a fantastic charity. We wanted something local, involving water — and this was exactly what we were looking for."

The teams of two took part in three events.

Mr Fricker and team-mate Jamie Lavers, 21, came first and third respectively in the 12-mile marathon and also won a race to collect the most coloured balls.

Lastly, the competitors tackled a 200m sprint — again won by Mr Fricker.

He said: "It was a fantastic day.

"There was a lot of competition and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"Hopefully if we do it again next year we will be able to race on the Thames."

The following day, the group attended Punch Tavern's annual conference in Birmingham, where four-time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent was guest speaker.

Mr Fricker, 22, said: "I told him about the charity event and he seemed really interested.

"He had brought along his gold medals — I said we had won some medals as well, but they weren't quite as glamorous."

Chief fundraiser Bill Proctor thanked the three pubs for their £1,100 donation, adding: "It's marvellous."

To make a donation to the pontoon project or find out more about corporate and fundraising events, call Mr Proctor on 01235 815943.