An around-the-world oarsman and two boatbuilders were narrowly beaten by a raft from a galaxy far, far away in a riotous day of racing.

Team Snorker won the runners-up final of the Portishead Raft race on Sunday, but ultimate glory went to the St Mary's Players' Star Wars raft.

More than 4,000 picnickers and sunbathers at the Lake Grounds watched as Team Snorker lost their heat to the St Mary's Players by just nine seconds in what turned out to be the quickest race of the day.

Businesses, groups and individuals all took part, some coming from as far away as Wiltshire.

Feverish activity in the five heats across the lake produced plenty of sore backs, blistered hands and wet T-shirts as the valiant crews of the 27 rafts fought to secure a place in the grand finals.

The novelty of the day was the edible raft competition, in which children came up with myriad small vessels made from melons, celery, apples and countless other goodies. Cameron Taylor was judged to have the best-designed craft and the best floater award went to Oliver Callaghan.

BBC weather girl and host for the day Jemma Cooper kept the day rattling along, right up to the free-for-all splash finale.

Bucket-shaking Army cadets were busy collecting for the Portishead Lifeboat Trust, Children's Hospice South West and North Somerset Fibromyalgia Support Group.

In total, more than £10,000 was raised for the three charities.

The fundraising followed in the footsteps of event sponsors and financial services group Foresters, responsible for raising millions nationwide for good causes.

Heats 1 Portishead Fish Bar, 2 Floaters, 3 Mummies Overboard;

1 St Mary's Players, 2 Team Snorker, 3 The Sea Hats;

1 Peace and Love David, 2 Plain Sailing, 3 Black Pig;

1 L3 Senta, 2 DPS FPS Oh!, 3 Spread a Lid'l Love;

1 Kilkenny, 2 Davies Afloat, 3 Red Racers

Runners-up final: 1 Team Snorker 2 DPS FPS Oh! 3 Floaters

Winners' final: 1 St Mary's Players 2 Peace and Love David 3 L3 Senta

Best designed raft: St Mary's Players