Hundreds turn out for Boxing Day traditions

Hundreds of people turned out to watch two of Scarborough's much-loved Boxing Day traditions - one of which is more than 130-years-old.

The day started with a football match between fishermen and fireman on the beach before crews took to the seas in fancy dress for a raft race.

The football match has been held every year since 1893 and the raft race since 1971.

Money raised by the events goes to the Fishermen and Firemen's Charity Fund.

The raft race was organised by the Scarborough Sub Aqua Club.

Race co-ordinator, Matt Newsome, said there had been a brilliant turn out, with about 50 people and nine rafts taking part.

Mr Newsome put the success of the race down to its quirkiness, with homemade rafts and competitors in fancy dress.

"It's the adventure of building and then racing the raft while wearing optional fancy dress," he said.

"It's very competitive and we do have to make sure that rafts don't cut corners during the race as everyone is hungry to do well", he added.

The Fishermen and Firemen's Charity Fund was originally set up in 1893 to raise money for the widows of five fishermen who were lost when the Scarborough trawler, Evelyn and Maud, sank.

Janet Jefferson, the town's charter mayor, said: "It brings people together and does so much good for those within the town who need a helping hand - it would be almost unthinkable for it not to go ahead."

Participant Edmund Ulliott described the event as "sheer madness".

Speaking about his raft, he said: "I think it's 16 years old - we did snap a big section off it at one stage and had to rebuild it, but it never sinks.

"It's great fun - I'm probably getting to the end in terms of rafting as I'm 60 next year, so I might call this one the last one.

"We have never won, I think the best finish we have had is third place, but we are just in it for the fun of it - it's mayhem.

The event is believed to have raised more than £1,000 for charity.

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