THE banks of the River Severn were bulging yesterday as the Worcester South Rotary Club Dragon Boat Festival pulled in thousands of fans.

The inaugural dragon boat event, organised by the rotary club, was a huge success with some top class racing on offer.

Compco were eventually crowned winners of the final, beating off Clarkson Evans 'Chieftains' and Viking I to lift the Aquila Cup.

Firlanders won two awards for the best dressed crew and the team who raised the most money for charity on the day with just under £1,000.

Michael Wyse won the individual award for fund-raising after collecting £290.

The day was a massive fillip for two charities in particular with St Richard's Hospice and Acorns Trust set to benefit from up to £15,000 raised on the day.

Apart from the racing there was also a fun-fair, bouncy castles, face painting, martial arts displays and circus entertainment to create a real carnival atmosphere on a stunning day on Pitchcroft in Worcester.

"It was a huge success," said a festival spokesman.

"We'd like to thank the people for coming and making it a brilliant day. However, we must thank the clubs that helped us, offering their facilities for the day.

"It was so successful that crews have already signed up for next year!"