SCORES of Hamble residents went home wet but happy after watching one of the home teams triumph in the village’s annual raft race.

Hamble-based members of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service took less than ten minutes to complete a half-mile course opposite the lifeboat station.

The winning team, Lee Benson, Gary Brook, Richard Burnet, and Karl Manners, were cheered and applauded as they paddled their way to victory.

Hampshire Constabulary finished second, just ahead of South Central Ambulance Service.

Last year’s winners - Hamble Lifeboat - came last after their craft spun around and briefly ended up facing the wrong way.

A large number of spectators lining the foreshore suffered a soaking as the event was battered by driving rain for the second year running.

Teams from the emergency services battled it out for the honour of receiving the Roger Harding Memorial Plate, presented by his widow Alex.

Mr Harding, who was chairman of Hamble Lifeboat, died in August 2016.

One of the raft race organisers, Paul Ackland, said: “It’s a chance for everyone to get together and learn more about the emergency services in their area.”

A search and rescue helicopter had been due to stage a demonstration at the event but bad weather prevented it from taking part.

Spectators took to social media to praise the spectacle - the third of its type.

Gemma Smallwood posted: “Shame about the weather but a great race.”