FROM the fast and furious to the flamboyant and funny, the homemade rafts made a splashing good spectacle at Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day on Sunday.

Thousands flocked to this hugely popular annual event, lining the quayside along its length to to see the 16 craft and their crews paddle it out down Mudeford Run in the raft race, with prizes for the fastest, and the best dressed.

Coming home first was the team from New Milton Round Table - who took pole position for the third year in a row. But winning the hearts of the crowd was the 12-strong crew of the Minions-themed raft, who were rewarded with a hearty cheer when they were named winners of the best dressed prize.

All our images from the raft race

But for the team from the Beach Bar in Christchurch, the race finished almost as soon as it started after they capsized just beyond the start line.

The family event also boasted a lifeboat and helicopter display, an air display by The Aerostars four plane team, live music and entertainment, a duck race along Mudeford Run, water sport demonstrations and have-a-go trials, a climbing wall, funfair rides, and a host of stalls and sideshows.

Kim Skinner, Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day committee chairman said they estimated between 10,000 and 12,000 people turned out to join the fun.

He told the Echo: "There's been a very good turn out - and the weather has been kind to us which helps. The raft race is always a highlight and it was well supported - they were six or seven deep the whole length of the quay cheering for the various teams.

"The thing people comment on most is the atmosphere - there's a great atmosphere and it's a great event."

He added: "None of this would be possible without the significant support of local business owners and the many visitors who attend this annual event. All the profits support the RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat and local lifeguards."

Last year's funday raised more than £17,200, which, alongside The Mudeford Lifeboat Ball held in October, generated a total figure for 2014 of £26,695.