Abingdon's annual Dragon Boat racing raised more than £40,000 for charity - £5,000 more than last year - bringing the total raised since the races started seven years ago to nearly £250,000.

Figures released by the organisers, the Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club, show that this year's event on the Thames brought in £40,631.

Most of the money is raised by the teams who get individual and team sponsorship.

Two-thirds of what the teams raise goes to the charity or charities of their choice and the remainder goes to the Rotary club to distribute to local organisations.

Money is also collected on the day from the stalls and food and bar sales.

The best year was 2000, when takings amounted to more than £50,000. This was achieved through 40 teams but in subsequent years the organisers restricted the entry to 30 teams out of consideration for other craft on the river.

This summer 28 teams took part, representing schools, local companies, health clubs and a range of organisations - all battling for trophies in a series of heats throughout the six-hour competition.

The six fastest boats then competed in the final race for the top prize - a wooden oar donated by Abingdon Rowing Club.

This year the winners were Abingdon School, whose rowers are no strangers to championship success.

Dragon boat race coordinator Peter Davies said: "It was another outstanding day. Our thanks go to all those people who took part in the races, helping to raise money for so many charities.

"The day is tremendous fun and everyone should put in their diary the date for next year's dragon boat races - Sunday, May 13. We look forward to seeing everyone there."

A Dragon boat is similar to a long canoe and carries a crew of 16 paddlers, as well as the drummer beating the rhythm of the strokes.