Video: Roar power! Leeds fundraisers on crest of a wave at dragon boat race

More than 40 teams from Leeds, Harrogate, York and beyond – many of them wearing eye-catching fancy dress – were in action today at the event on Roundhay Park’s Waterloo Lake.

They paddled their way along a 200-metre course in distinctive Chinese-style boats on a day when the weather, if not all of the competitors, stayed dry.

And organisers hope today’s fun will end up raising at least £30,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, near Wetherby.

Hospice events manager Caroline Hudson told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The fundraising efforts of all this year’s teams have been fantastic, with some raising over £2,000.

“Thank you to everyone who helped to make the event so successful.

“Without such support we could not continue caring for more than 400 children and young people and 150 bereaved families each year.

“We hope to see you all at our 10th anniversary event in 2017.”

Hundreds of spectators turned out for the race, which was won by a team from Restaurant Bar and Grill Leeds for the second year in a row.

Other teams going for glory included Willis Towers Watson, Napoleons Casino, Bellway Homes, Redrow Homes and Leeds Audi.

The race was sponsored by transport operator First Bus and Unite the Union.

Other entertainment laid on in Roundhay Park for the event included a tug-of-war contest, big prize raffle and family games and rides.

The invaluable range of services that Martin House provides for children and young people with life-limiting conditions requires funding of £15,000 every day.

For information on how to support the hospice’s work, visit the www.martinhouse.org.uk website.