Scores of competitors tried their best to get wet in the annual Cherhill raft and duck race on Sunday.

Most of the village turned out to the races, in which brave rafters took to the pond in Middle Lane in home-made craft in a race to be the first across.

Julie Sinnick, of Middle Lane, said: “The teams had to make their own rafts and it was fun to watch. I was on the cake stall so I did not take part. I think we raised around £40.”

The event has been running for about seven years, with organisers choosing a different cause each year.

“This year we were raising money for the church hall,” Mrs Sinnick said. “We have recently had a new kitchen put in so we needed money for new flooring and toilets.”

First in the raft race was a team of architects from Cherhill, who put their design skills to good use with a lightweight polystyrene craft.

Those not daring enough to enter the water took part in a duck race, launching around 300 plastic ducks.

Parish councillor David Evans said: “The duck race is always lovely – it is like the one in Calne but not quite so grand.

“By raising money for the village hall, we can cut costs for people renting it."