MORE than 80 Scouts took to the water for a special day of competitive rafting.

The Salisbury and South Wilts District Scout Raft Races took place on the River Nadder at Salisbury Canoe Club, with young members racing over a 200m course.

The fastest two teams from the each age group – Years 6-7 and 8-9 – then raced each other in the finals.

Scouts from ten local Scout Troops took part with 22 teams entered into the competition.

The Scout Troops represented were 3rd Salisbury Sea Scouts, Bourne Valley Idmiston, 1st Laverstock, 1st Amesbury, 6th Salisbury Air Scouts, 4th Salisbury (Harnham), 8th Salisbury, 23rd Salisbury, Bourne Valley Figsbury, 10th Salisbury. The Scouts spent several weeks designing and building rafts.

The Year 6-7 final was contested by the 3rd Salisbury 'Seagulls' and Bourne Valley Idmiston with the 3rd Salisbury winning in a time of 2 minutes 52 seconds.

The Year 8-9 final was between 3rd Salisbury Kingfishers and Bourne Valley Idmiston B with 3rd Salisbury winning in 2 minutes 13 seconds.

The event also included a 'Donkey Derby' Race with all competitors on the water and a cardboard canoe race which was contested by Bourne Valley Idmiston and City Explorers with City winning the race.

An organiser for the event said: "Many thanks go to Salisbury Canoe Club for hosting the races at short notice after the usual location at the River Avon at the Fisherton Recreation Ground was found to be clogged with weed."