THOUSANDS of spectators gathered on the banks of the River Ouse in York to watch the spectacular sight of the eighth Dragon Boat Challenge.

The fine weather yesterday afternoon saw both sides of the river packed with spectators as the teams from around York paddled it out in their dragon boats between Scarborough Bridge and Skeldergate Bridge.

The fundraising event was organised by the Rotary Club of York with proceeds going to charities.

Rotary Club president Graham Wilford said: “It’s a huge success again. The enthusiasm of the teams is just wonderful.

“Once they get on the river and start paddling, they are all after beating the previous teams, and what’s superb is that they are all raising money for their own charities as well as ours – St Leonard’s.”

Mr Wilford said he expected this year would see a total of £500,000 raised over the event’s eight-year history.

The 250-metre stretch of the river saw a total of 36 teams compete yesterday.