THOUSANDS packed the banks of the River Thames in Abingdon to roar on paddlers in the 11th annual Dragon Boat race.

Eighteen teams took part in the river race, organised by the Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club, at Rye Meadow, today.

Teams ranged from shop workers and charity fundraisers to servicemen from RAF Brize Norton and students from sixth form colleges.

They raced the half-a-mile stretch cheered on by the crowd who came out to enjoy the sunshine, music, entertainment and a fun fair.

More than £10,000 was raised, which will be shared between local charities.

A dragon boat is similar to a long canoe but decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail with a drummer dictating the strokes.

The boats raced along the river to the theme tune of 70s’ detective series Hawaii Five-0.

Richard Benton, rotary club chairman, said: “This was a great day and the weather was superb.

“I think we had two or three thousand people all giving us support on the banks. The boat crews were all raising money for their own charities as well.”

The race was won for the second year running by the Abingdon branch of Fitness First.

A third of all the proceeds raised will go to the rotary club, which plans to spend a large chunk of the money on taking disabled children on holiday.

The River Rats came second and St Clare’s International School, in Oxford, were third.

The eldest competitor, Betty Collins, 78, who works for Charlton Day Centre, in Wantage, was rowing for The Smurfs.

The entire team had painted themselves blue.

Mrs Collins said: “I’d like to come back next year and take part again. It’s all about having fun and enjoying ourselves. It is a great fun day.”

Other attractions included a climbing wall, beer tent and the Oxford Mail bouncy castle.