CREWS took to their rafts to battle it out on the water in an annual fundraiser.

They were competing in the Great Waterside Raft Race at Hythe Marina and crowds of people gathered on the water's edge this morning to cheer them on.

Thirteen brave teams, including one from the Daily Echo, had entered though only 12 finished the experience in one piece as one raft fell apart mid-race early on.

Rowers competed in six races including the decorated raft race, ladies race, Formula 1 race and junior race.

The event, in its 27th year, raises money for the RNLI.

Daily Echo: