A HOST of strange home-made craft fought it out on the River Wear in a rowing competition with a difference at the weekend.

The Durham Raft Race was a popular attraction several years ago, but had not been held for a long time until it was revived last year.

The Fire Services Benevolent Fund and Durham University Charities Kommittee (Duck) staged the race on the stretch of river next to the city's racecourse.

It attracted 16 teams, mostly from Durham University and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade.

A team from the brigade's control room in Durham were defending their title, and took to the water dressed as pirates in their raft Skullduggery.

But although they made the final, the winner was Houghton-le-Spring Round Table.

Organiser Gail Antcliffe said: "We didn't have quite as many rafts as we had last year - we got 19 - but everyone enjoyed themselves and the day went well. It was still a good turnout and everyone has asked for it to be held again next year.

"It was a lovely day and the weather held out. The raft race itself made £1,800, which will go to the benevolent fund, but the total will probably be about £2,000.''