RAFTS of all sizes and colours battled it out in Harwich’s annual race on Sunday.

The beach was packed as onlookers watched the teams of six take to the sea.

Entrants included men dressed in pink, a camouflaged raft, a team of women dressed as devils and a pirate team. The winners were the DSV team.

Tony Woods, from the Sub Aqua Club, which organised the event, said: “It was a fabulous day for Harwich.

“We must have had at least 1,000 people on the beach and it is really nice to have had our first successful raft race without rain.

“It is all about the local community getting together, a day on the beach for families. That is why I do it.”

Children also had the chance to take part with a dragon boat race.

The winners of the sandcastle competition were announced as Stevie and Brian Lovett for their recreation of the Redoubt Fort.

The final event was a tug of war competition.

All money raised, including £160 from auctioning a ride in a power boat, will go towards the RNLI and Essex Air Ambulance.