THE longest raft race in Europe, which takes places in Herefordshire, saw a mixed crew of seven males and three females come first.

The team, Patrick's Gulpers from Marlbrook, Hope under Dinmore, was thrilled to come first in the River Wye charity 70-mile raft race.

Wonder Y, a six-man team from Tring, Hertfordshire came second and Chevron, a four-man team from Ross-on-Wye.

The committee for Herefordshire Amateur Rafters held the 37th race over three days at the end of May from Turners Boat, by Whitney-on-Wye, to Huntsham.

The Golden Paddle for endurance was awarded to Victory Pirates from the Victory in Hereford.

The race began in 1978, originally as a bet between two pubs.

The event is compared to running three marathons on three consecutive days.