BOATS filled the River Tone over the weekend for one of Taunton’s most popular summer fundraising events, and the summer sunshine brought plenty of spectators out too.

The town’s Dragon Boat Race was held on Sunday to raise money for Headway Somerset, a charity which helps people live independent lives after a brain injury.

The race was the third of its kind for the charity and seventeen teams of 16 rowers helmed by the Dragon Boat Company, launched from the jetty by The Brewhouse.

The winners were the Clerksroom Corsairs, 1610 Active took second place and the Conquest Riding Centre came third...dressed as smurfs.

The Twelve Man opened its doors for the day and there was a hog roast, pancakes and face painting all on offer.

Samantha Bell from the charity said: "It was a really great day and we had loads of people turn out to watch which I think was down to the weather.

"So far we've raised £18,000 but we're still waiting for money to come in.

"Plans are already underway for next year, we just need to finalise the dates."