Thousands of people packed Mudeford Quay for the fifth Daily Echo-backed raft race to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

A fly-past by a Harrier jump jet was the highlight of a spectacular day on August 6, 2000.

Thousands of spectators watched the 23 competing rafts and later a coastguard helicopter and a Mudeford lifeboat carried out demonstrations.

The event helped raise more than £6,000 which was put towards the creation of a new lifeboat station.

McCarthy and Stone won fastest fancy dress raft and the fastest raft to cover the 300-yard course was entered by Bikers Yard, a Purewell-based motorbike shop.

Dozens of stalls entertained crowds, including a bouncy castle, coconut shy, and there were displays by charities and the fire service.