THE annual Elstead Paper Boat Race took place on Sunday, July 1.Scorching temperatures and the promise of seeing a capsize or two brought out a 300-strong crowd of spectators.

Run by the local Brownies and Guides, and held at Elstead Moat, the race has been a tradition for more than 30 years.

Competitors are tasked with creating a vessel out of cardboard and newspaper, sturdy enough to withstand leaks longer than their opponents while completing laps of the moat.

Boats were entered by villagers, the Brownies and Guides, and year six pupils from St James School.

This year’s theme was Vote 100 and Inspirational Women to mark the centenary of women gaining the right to vote.

Simon Warner, a participant, hailed a “great event” and added: “Sinking is as much fun as winning!”

The winner of the junior race (under 14s) was Katie and Sam Portman-Parsons, with their boat ‘Victoria’s Vessel’. The duo achieved six laps in the allotted eight minutes.

The senior race winner was Jo Ransack with the Boat ‘Joan of Arc’.

The award for the best designed boat was won by Katy Stokes an d Caitlin Nutt for their craft ‘Boats for Women’.

Daisy Rayner and George Lamb won the prize for the junior ‘best sinkers’, with John Wills in his boat ‘Ballot Box’ taking the award in the adult category.

“We are so pleased so many came out to enjoy the show!”, said Guide leaders and event organisers Candice Whitbourn and Bronwyn Hopper.

“We would like to say a huge thank to everyone who helped make the boat race happen,

“To everyone that came along, especially to those that built boats and took part and to our Brownies and Guides for working so hard. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Throughout the races Brownies and Guides were busy running a raffle, face painting and selling cakes and ice cream.

Sarah Jane Disney, a spectator said: “Well done Guides, a fantastic day.”