RAIN didn’t dampen the spirits of around 400 entrants taking part in this year’s Monmouth Raft Race.

Sixty-seven teams from across Gwent launched their rafts onto the River Wye yesterday at Monmouth Rowing Club as over 1,000 spectators looked on.

Competitors wore eye-catching wigs and costumes and decorated their rafts in themes ranging from pirates, to Disney’s Mini Mouse and Postman Pat.

Among those taking part were Coffee 1, Monmouth, the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Bron Afon Community Housing, Torfaen and The Red Lion, Caerleon.

Tony Bedford, 39, of Chepstow and District Round Table was in one of two teams that enter each year.

Speaking before the race Mr Bedford said conditions were good and that he was hoping to finish in the top ten with a raft made using electrical pipes.

Rogerstone-based Warburtons team member, John Beavis, 48, said it was the first time the pirate-themed 'Warbies Buckeeters' had entered.

“We spent a fortnight building our raft and are here to have fun and raise money for good causes. We just hope we make it to the end,” said Mr Beavis.

Race co-ordinator, Norman Williams of Monmouth Rotary Club said more businesses have entered than in recent years.

“We’re pleased with the support from both spectators and crew and hope to raise £20,000 for charity,” said Mr Williams.

The six-and-a-half mile race to Whitebrook culminated in an afternoon of family entertainment with a festival of live music and a funfair at Tump Farm.

Now in its 45th year, the event which is organised by Monmouth Rotary Club, is expected to raise £20,000 which will be shared between the club’s local charities and St David’s Foundation Hospice Care which cares for patients with a life-threatening illness.

Monmouth Rotary Club not only donates the cash to local charities but sends shelter boxes, containing tents and supplies, to those affected by disasters most recently to Haiti.

During the past six years the event has raised £71,000.

Rescued man says 'thank you' to lifesavers

A GWENT man who was trapped under a raft at last year’s event returned to the scene to thank those who helped rescue him.

Andy Ryan, 45, who lives near Blackwood was trapped under a raft and by the time rescuers dragged him to the riverbank, he had stopped breathing.

He remembers nothing of the incident apart from the raft rising in the air as it passed under a bridge, which he believes caused him to bang his head, knocking him unconscious.

Spectators and crewmembers waded into the water and frantically tried to resuscitate the forklift driver.

He was airlifted to hospital where doctors discovered he had water in his lungs and admitted him to intensive care.

Mr Ryan, who has completed the race eight times, said returning to the scene was “difficult” but felt it was something he had to do.

"I met the St John’s Ambulance crew member who treated me and he showed me where it happened,” he said.

“I wanted to thank the people who saved my life,” he added.

Mr Ryan plans to take part in the race next year.