CHARITY fundraisers gave an "oarsome" display of powerful paddling at The Great York Dragon Boat Challenge.

Thousands of spectators lined the banks on a 300-metre stretch of the River Ouse between Scarborough and Lendal Bridges to watch the colourful event, organised by the Rotary Club of York.

Thirty teams - representing organisations and businesses from across the region - donned crazy costumes to race in the dragon-headed vessels, which held between ten and 16 paddlers, a drummer and a helmsman to steer.

Among those who took part were GNER (Crouching Tiger Sinking Dragon) and North Yorkshire Police (Coppers Lot), led by Chief Superintendent John Lacy.

Organisers say Sunday's event was a "tremendous success" with more than £40,000 raised for St Leonard's Hospice and other charities of the team's choice.

In a major shock, pre-race favourites Harrisons Dragon Slayers, who had the quickest time in one of the heats, were put to the sword in the final.

The gutted team had spent hours practising in the North East before the race, and even had their own personal helmsman, who is a British champion. But it was not enough.

In the thrilling final, Global Challenge TCI Ltd - who were dressed in Judo outfits - took the dragon boat crown, with RAF Linton-On-Ouse coming a close second, Harrisons, third, and the Army Foundation College in fourth.

Dringhouses family butcher team, Ged Bell's Growlers, recovered from a disastrous opening round in which the crew were left red-faced by an uncoordinated paddling display, to romp to victory in the minor final.

Growlers' team captain Ged Bell said: "I asked for blood, sweat and tears from my team before the race and that's what they gave me - in buckets."

The Environment Agency's Blazing Paddles crew won the best-dressed team award for their colourful cowboy outfits, and the top fundraisers were Saville Audio Visual, Browns department store and Town Centre Securities.

BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration presented the prizes.

He said: "It was a fantastic day and very well organised. I think the Rotary Club will have to do it again."

Rotary Club president Robin Rich said there was a "wonderful atmosphere" at the event.

Janet Morley, the hospice's fundraising manager, said: "I'm thrilled to bits - the Rotary Club really pulled out all the stops."

Organisers are appealing for the winner of the programme draw to claim their prize. The winning number is 1971.

Updated: 08:44 Tuesday, July 15, 2003