WE look back at the first ever Taunton dragon boat race on June 9, 2013:

HUNDREDS of people lined the banks and bridges of the River Tone for Taunton’s first dragon boat race last Sunday, which raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Timing and teamwork saw the Rural Commandos take first place after battling against 14 other teams.

Second went to Ta Dah and Virgin Active came third, with employees from Sainsbury’s winning the Wooden Oar for slowest time.

All the teams raised money for brain injury charity Headway Somerset and some for a second Somerset charity of their choice.

Headway Somerset’s acting fundraiser Debbie Parsons said: “This has proven to be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to all of Somerset, ensuring money raised remains in the county.”

“We are looking to make this an annual event.

"The spirit of the teams was fantastic.

"Most of them started off very laid back and then such a competitive streak took over.

"The whole event enjoyed a carnival atmosphere.”

Do you have any boat race memories? Don’t forget to join our We Grew Up In Taunton Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/wegrewupintaunton) and share your memories.