A crew from Luton's Barnfield College were among 60 who got shipshape for Keech Cottage children's hospice.

The annual Dragon Boat Festival at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes, was the most successful ever and saw more than £17,000 collected for the Luton-based hospice.

The crews, representing businesses, organisations and groups of friends from the region, battled it out in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 14,000 who enjoyed the sunshine and an exciting day's racing.

The eventual winner was Lifestyle Express, representing Landmark Wholesale. Luton team Chicken Balls, from Admiral Business Systems, came in fourth. Barnfield College fielded – or rather launched – three teams for the first time.

And the Charity Trophy was lifted by Kyrin's Super Heroes from Friends of Kyrin who pledged a massive £4,700 to the overall total of £17,000.

Gable Events organiser Merklyn Hauck said: "Even racing 10 dragon boats rather than eight, we had to turn a number of companies away because of the event's popularity."

Lynette Havenga-Stokes, from sponsor electricity4business, said: "The enthusiasm and camaraderie shown by all of the crews was superb.

"We know that our nominated charity, Keech Cottage children's hospice, will be delighted with the money raised."