THERE were a few ruffled collars on Sunday as the Elstead Paper Boat Race marked the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

Dozens of Bard-themed boats made entirely of cardboard and papier mache again battled for supremacy of Elstead Moat, cheered on by hundreds of spectators.

Once water-borne, they were challenged to paddle to a buoy and complete as many laps as they can in the allotted time or before their boat sank.

Boats were entered by Elstead Brownies and Guides, who organise the annual event, as well as pupils from St James School and other members of the community.

Beth Carpenter and Martha Walker won the junior race in their Anthony and Cleopatra-themed vessel, which survived long-enough to also win first prize in the adult race captained by Ella and Liz Walker before it was ultimately attacked and sunk by the Explorer Scouts for being ‘just too good’ - all suggested and egged on by the commentator Andrew Walker whose wife and daughter were on board.

The best design award went to 1st Elstead Guides’ ‘McBoaty McBeth’ - a boat shaped like a dagger captained on the day by guide Jenny O’Mara.

The coveted ‘best sinking’ prize went to Dave Crawford and Simon Warner in the adult race who stood up, saluted the crowd and purposely fell backwards into the water as their boat ‘To be or not to be’ started to sink.

Candice Whitbourn, 1st Elstead Guides leader said: “I would like to thank everyone for coming along to watch, the people who built boats and took part and a special thanks to my fellow leaders and everyone who helped run the event. It’s been a brilliant afternoon.”

Anyone interested in girl-guiding is encouraged to visit the website www.girl

guiding.org.uk or find @Elsteadguides on Twitter.

Photos: Paul Doyle