THE ducks had to move aside as a Hampshire lake became a little part of Hong Kong as it staged an afternoon of Dragon Boat races.

Lakeside Country Park at Eastleigh was the venue for the event organised by the town’s Rotary Club.

To the sound of beating drums seven teams, of all ages and ability, each competed in four races for a place in the final.

A tense race-off between the three fastest teams resulted in a photo-finish with less than a second between all three.

Prysmian Group UK were narrow victors ahead of Mott MacDonald and another team from Prysmian was less than half a dragon’s head behind them in third.

The boats, equipment and race organisation came from Dragon Boat Events and the event also received support from Eastleigh Borough Council and the Lakeside Rangers. On shore there was a barbecue and refreshments supplied by the Rotarians.

After presenting Rotary Club president with a cheque for £500, Nicholas Chevaux, capital investment manager of Prysmian Group UK, commented:“It has been a brilliant day and if anyone else wants to come next year - the more the merrier we are up for the challenge!”

Mike Smith concluded: “It was a fantastic fun day and a great opportunity as a team building event for local companies and voluntary groups. I know that next year we are already going to have double the number of teams we had this year and as a result we will raise a lot of money, through sponsorship, for Rotary good causes.”

For details of next year's race email secretary@eastleighrotary.org.uk, call 02380 615398 or visit www.eastleighrotary.org.uk