CROWDS braved cold winds to cheer on emergency crews competing on the water this morning.

Crews from Hamble Lifeboat and Hamble fire station were out on the River Hamble for a New Year's Day raft race.

And their community was out in full force lining the shore to support the event, in which the firefighters triumphed.

It is hoped the event will become an annual contest and next year could involve a crew from the police and ambulance.

Rafts took to the water at Hamble Point Marina on a roughly 15 minute paddle to get to Hamble village.

Though no-one fell into the water during the race there were laughs at the beginning when lifeboat crewmember Mike Still took a tumble as the crews ran into the water with the rafts on the slipway.

But once the crews were on water the firefighters took the lead and never surrendered it though at one point the crews almost drew level.

As they reached the slipway at Hamble foreshore the lifeboat crews took a short cut across the beach but it was not enough to beat the fire crew who came home several seconds ahead.

The rafts had been given to crews for free by Jim Webb, owner of Hamble boatbuilding firm Casse Tete Marine, who had built the rafts for the Soapbox Derby as part of Hamble Week.

Paul Ackland, part of the lifeboat crew, came up with the idea of a race when he saw them lying unused.

He said his crew had come close to taking the lead at one point, but reflected that many of the fire crew were full-time firefighters, whereas the lifeboat crew are volunteers.

"It was absolutely knackering," he said.

"I spent 11 years in the army but that was a challenge."

But Paul, 45, of Hamble, said they would be back to try and beat the firefighters next year.

"I think the whole of the village is here," he added.

"I never expected in a million years this many people here.

"Just coming down and seeing all the people stood out - we were out of breath, knackered and we looked up and it makes the whole event worth it.

"It brings the people together."

The event is designed to raise awareness of the work the emergency services do in the village, especially the lifeboat crew as organiser Paul said some people in the village still do not realise that Hamble Lifeboat is independent from the RNLI and so relies on funding from the local community.

Steve Stobart, 60, of Hamble had come down with his family to support competing firefighter Sam Stobart.

He said: "It was very good - very cold - and it looked like very hard work. It was very close.

"I think it should be every year.

"The atmosphere's great and it 's good to raise awareness of what they do."

Spectator Natelie Logan, of Bishopstoke, said: "It's good fun and I think it brings people together - it's nice to cheer the guys on."

Mike Blood, 48, of Warsash, lifeboat crewmember, said: "It was good fun and a lovely bit of support from the community to welcome us home."