A FLEET of homemade boats took to the water for the 39th Monmouth raft race yesterday.

More than 50 teams from as far away as Yorkshire and London descended on the town to take part in the event which has raised £250,000 for charities over the years.

TV star Lisa Rogers, from Monmouth, started the race at Monmouth rowing club.

She said: "It's a great event, everyone has such a good time and they're raising lots of money for the NSPCC."

The event has become a local institution drawing in visitors and entertaining spectators along the five-mile route.

Monmouth Rotary Cub took over organising the race from the Conservative Club this year and president Nigel James was celebrating the event's continuing success.

Mr James said: "The Wye Valley is world famous for its beauty and what better way to show it off than to bring visitors here and cast some of them off in its midst for the entertainment of those who remain dry? Everything's gone swimmingly."

One of those who took the plunge was 18-year-old David White from Abergavenny's Hen and Chickens pub team.

Mr White, who works at the pub, said: "There was eight of us in the team on a raft designed by Mick Kite. I'm not sure where we came but it was in the top ten. We've raised £350 for the NSPCC and had a really brilliant day."

Money raised from the event is still coming in, but the NSPCC's regional appeals manager, Bridget Stadden, said: "The NSPCC are delighted to be the chosen charity of the 39th Monmouth raft race and our special thanks go to the Rotary Club for making it possible.

"Fundraising events like this are vital and will enable us to carry on providing preventative and therapeutic services to those who have suffered or who may still be suffering.

"Our special thanks go to all the competitors and to all our supporters and sponsors who have helped make it possible."