HUNDREDS of people made flocked to the seafront for the Southend Raft Race as it made a welcome return.

The event was held in Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, and was free to watch - which encouraged members of the public to take to the beaches to cheer on their favourite team.

The Thorpe Bay Rotary Club brought back the successful community event - which was last held in the early Nineties - due to popular demand.

This year there were at least 22 rafts entered into the event - with each team taking part in five heats.

There were prizes for the fastest raft, the most attractive raft, the best dressed all male crew, the best dressed all female crew - to name just a few categories.

The rafts were made up of up to eight crew members, and all team members had to be over 18-years-old.

The cost of each raft entry was £200 so, with up to eight crew members, that’s just £25 per member.

Crews chose on entry to raise funds for either the local RNLI station or their own favourite registered charity.

Visitors on the day were able to enjoy refreshments and entertainment on the green opposite the beach, and there was a dedicated viewing area from where disabled spectators could also watch and enjoy the races.

The organisers gave special thanks to all members of Thorpe Bay Yacht Club who help to make the event such a success.