The threat of rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the contestants in the 21st World Pooh Sticks Championships on Sunday, March 28.

Some entrants with their sticks

The entrants came from all over the world to take part.

Winners of the team event were from the Czech Republic and competitors from Latin America came second. The Australian contingent, last year's winners, failed to turn up to defend their title.

More than 2,000 people went to the event at Day's Lock, on the River Thames at Little Wittenham.

Not much training was needed. Pooh Sticks is a matter of dropping sticks into the river from a bridge, then racing to the other side to see which one emerges first.

The event raised about £1,500. The money will be split between the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Rotary charities.

Club spokesman David Caswell said: "It was a highly successful day and we are delighted with the results."