THE Monmouth Raft Race this year was among the most successful ever staged in terms of the amount of cash raised, organisers say.

The annual River Wye race, organised by the Rotary Club of Monmouth, saw a bumper flotilla of 60 rafts take to the waters in September after the wettest summer for 100 years.

High water made for quick times with the overall winning raft number 155 "Light It Up", entered by Leigh Woodington and sponsored by C.U. Lighting, cruising home in a time of 45.24 minutes.

The award for most sponsorship handed in on the day, £1,300, went to raft number 109, "Will he or won't he" or Willy Wonka's Dreamboat, entered by Neil Henson, of Chepstow.

A total of £19,311 was raised by the event this year with 75 per cent of this amount, £14,483, going to the main nominated charity, St David's Hospice Care. The remainder of the money is donated by the Rotary Club to a variety of other local charities.

Monmouth Rotarian Norman Williams said: "We're pleased to report that the 2012 raft race was a huge success. We're delighted to be able to donate £14,483 to St David's Hospice Care to help them to continue to provide their vital hospice in the home services throughout Gwent."

Kris Broome, of St David's Hospice Care, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that this year's event was again such a great success. Even now we're gearing up for next year's Monmouth Raft Race which will be staged on Sunday, September 1, 2013. Early entries from teams are always very welcome.

"We'd like to thank Monmouth Rotary for organising such a superb event again this year and especially all the hardy souls, many of whom return year after year, for taking part in the raft race. We had great weather this year so let's hope we get more of the same in 2013."

The Monmouth Raft Race starts at Monmouth Rowing Club and ends at Tump Farm six-and-a-half miles down river at Whitebrook.

For full details on how to enter the 2013 race and anything else related to the event visit http://www.monmouthraftrace.com">www.monmouthraftrace.com or email monmouthraftrace @sky.com or call Rotarian David Forbes on 01600 712665 or Kris Broome at St David's Hospice Care on 01633 851058.