HARDY rowers took to the water for one of Taunton’s most popular summer fundraising events in 2014.

The town’s second 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.

Seventeen teams of 16 rowers squeezed into boats, helmed by the Dragon Boat Company, launched from the jetty by The Brewhouse.

They then made their way 250 metres towards the County Ground with the overall event won by Virgin Active.

Headway Somerset thanked everyone involved in organising the event, and the crews who took part.

Samantha Bell from the charity said: “We think we’ve raised £21,000 but more is still to come in.

“It was better than last year, with more going on, and people have said they cannot wait for next year.”

Those taking part, in no particular order were: Wyvern Rugby Club; Conquest Equestrian Centre; Viridor; MIND Taunton and West Somerset; St John's Chambers; Milsted Langdon; Foot Anstey; Clarke Willmott; Age UK Somerset; Taunton and Courtfields Karate Academy; Blackbrook Medical Centre with Highbridge Medical Centre; Taunton Road Medical Centre, Bridgwater; Crest Nicholson; Invest South West; Clerksroom; Virgin Active and Headway.

Teams typically consist of 20 paddlers sitting in rows of two, with a Cox who steers the dragon boat from the rear, and a drummer who sits at the front.

The team of paddlers work in unison to propel the boat forward from a standing start, the aim being to reach the finish line in the fastest time. Generally a race consists of between 4 and 6 boats.

Teams can be all men, all women, or a mixed crew with equal numbers of both men and women. Timing, strength and endurance are 3 key elements of a successful team; the fourth and most critical is teamwork.