BARRELS of laughs were had at a home-made raft and duck race in Tetney.
Scores of spectators lined the lock to cheer on teams as they set sail on barrels, crates and pallets held together with string.
Competition was fierce, as 11 teams prayed their makeshift creations would last the 500 metre race, which was organised by the Grimsby Havelock Rotary Club, to raise money for 1st Cleethorpes Sea Scouts.
For the water shy, there was a duck race, which saw dozens of rubber ducks released into the lock and taken under the bridge by the current. Rotary Club member Adele Ward organised the event, which looks set to become an annual highlight.
She said: "It has been absolutely fantastic. We had a go ourselves but we capsized three times! I got absolutely soaked – I am still shivering now.
"It is a great event and everyone has made a real effort in making their rafts.
"People have been very competitive and we have had some really good teams take part."
The winning raft team took home the coveted trophy, while the owners of the winning ducks won £50, £20 for second and £5 for third place.
Among the teams were Grimsby Kwik Fit, who crossed the finish line in two minutes 41 seconds.
Joshua Barber, 18, said: "We got a bit wet but it was a lot of fun. Our raft was faultless. It was well built by qualified technicians.
"It was great to take part."
Teammate Marcus Lord, 41, added: "We thought it would be fun to build a raft and join in. We love a good competition."
Joining them was the WFPA (Win, Fail, Plenty of Ale) Warriors, a pool team from the Honest Lawyer in Grimsby.
They made their raft from a scaffolding frame and water bottles.
Team spokesman, Michael Pitts, 40, said: "We were just happy to finish because we weren't sure we would. It was hard work and we looked a lot slower than the others, but at least our raft didn't collapse. We didn't even get that wet!"
Spectators also enjoyed a beer festival, barbecue, craft fair, children's entertainment and live music at the nearby Crown and Anchor.
Tetney man, Greg Crabtree, 48, of team voyager, rewarded his efforts with a pint of ale.
He said: "It has been great to get the community together while raising money for a good cause."
Cheering team Voyager on were John Zielinski, 25, of Waltham and friend, Lindsey Lonsdale, 32, of Holton-le-Clay.
Lindsey said: "We have had a great day. We have been cheering for Greg and we have bought our ducks for the duck race.
"It is a really good event, and a great way to get out and about. I hope they do it next year."
John added: "The sun is out, beers are out and friends are out. We've had a great day."
ON THE WEB: View a video and more pictures of the raft and duck race online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
