Forget secret handshakes – it was the grip on their paddles that powered the Masons to victory on Saturday.

The team from the Masonic Lodge, dubbed Better Off Without after the loss of their team leader, powered to victory in the Cambria Sea Scouts raft race at Greenhithe riverfront. Five teams took part.

Sea Scout group leader Steve Newton said: “It’s just a bit of fun. It’s getting people out enjoying the water and making the most of what’s there.

“Most of the teams ended up in the water.”

Indeed, one crew had no choice, when their raft sank.

“We dragged them all out,” said Mr Newton.

More than 300 people turned out to enjoy the race and summer fair, where the fun and games included ‘zorb tubes’ which enable users to walk on water.

More than £3,000 was raised for the Scouts.

For more pictures, see this week's Messenger.