A POPULAR dragon boat challenge returned to the Weymouth's waters and proved hotly-contested.

Melcombe Regis Rotary Club's annual dragon boat challenge saw eight teams of intrepid rowers battle it out to be crowned champions.

The teams were in high spirits, and the weather was kind, as they tackled a fading tide to secure a place in the final.

'UBC' and 'Dippy Hippies' raced their way to the final - ran in the afternoon of Sunday, August 28 - after some thrilling semi-final races.

It was UBC, from a local fitness gym, that saw off the the opposition and was took home the coveted title of 2022 Dragon Boat Challenge Champions - the team's first title.

Other winners throughout the day included: Fastest Ladies, Dippy Hippies, Charity Cup, Silver Foxes, Spirit of the Event, and, Sozzled Scullers.

The team leader from Dippy Hippies laid down their intentions for next year - the 25th anniversary of the challenge - and said: “despite being the oldest team in the event we will be back again next year – even more determined to win again”.

Charities chosen by the teams included Alzheimer Society, Mind, British Heart Foundation, Local Air Ambulance, Strongmen, DCH Abbotsbury Ward and Molly Olly’s, St Margaret’s Hospice benefitted from donations of additional sponsorship raised by the teams.

President Sue Summers said of the day: “A big thank you to everyone who made the event such a resounding success.

"All money raised will be used to support local voluntarily run youth organisations such as Scouts and Guides.

"Service organisations such as Rotary continue to play an important role in community activities and wellbeing and are always keen to hear from like-minded people interested in helping out.’’

The challenge, first ran in 1998, will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year and, during that time, has helped many local groups and charities.

Speaking before the event, Sue said: "It is one of our most important fundraising events for charities in our local community.

"This year, in particular, we are hoping to support young people's charities such as scouts, guides and girl’s and boy’s brigade."