The banks of the river were packed as crowds headed to the Great River Race’s finish line in Ham.

And as ambitious rowers completed the 21 mile challenge along the Thames, spectators witnessed everything from dragonboats to rowboats full of brides and bees pass by.

Proving last year’s bad luck was far behind them, Trafalgar Infant and Junior School’s two teams both managed to stay afloat.

Team member Dean Rogers said both crews were delighted to prove themselves after last year’s attempt went awry when water flooded their vessel.

Mr Rogers said: “It was fantastic - we crossed the finish line which was the main aim after last year. It was a fantastic effort from everyone and a great way to see the river.

“It’s a brilliant way of getting all sorts of people together - it’s not often you get thrown together in a boat.”

The teams finished in four hours 15 minutes and five and a half hours respectively, and raised more than £2,500 for the Bristish Heart Foundation.

Also taking on the rowing challenge was a crew of four brides decked out in tutus and veils.

Taking on the race for the fifth time rowing bride Alexandria Mosley said it was tough but definitely worth doing as they had so far collected nearly £6,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Mrs Moseley said: “It was about the roughest conditions in five years.

"We were rowing against the tide for the last hour from Kew upwards.”

Also getting in the river race spirit where Richmond’s independent traders who set up a VisitRichmond zone along the riverbank to show people what non-chain brands the borough has to offer.

The Vineyard School and Richmond Academy of Dance helped provide entertainment to welcome rowers over the finish line.

To sponsor one of the teams go to justgiving.com/runawaybrides or justgiving.com/spiritoftrafalgar.