A nail biting finale at the KM Dragon Boat Race on Sunday (July 1) saw the overall champions win by less than a second.

Reigning champs Blatch and Green took victory in a hard fought final at Mote Park in Maidstone.

The Whitstable-based firm of builders reached the finish line in just 49.03 seconds chased by Cobham Warriors - raising funds for Cobham Community Preschool in Gravesend - who finished at 49.65 seconds.

Huff and Puff the Magic Dragon, a team of friends from Medway, came in third at 50.69 seconds. They were supporting Cancer Research UK and Save the Children.

It marks the seventh year in a row that Blatch and Green, who took part in aid of Pilgrims Hospice, have triumphed at the flagship event of the KM Charity Team. The team collected the champions’ trophy and medals presented by event organiser Dominic Comins.

“It was an exciting end to a brilliant day for good causes all over Kent,” said Mr Comins. “Glorious sunshine, committed teams, and a passionate crowd of supporters – plus a photo finish! Who could ask for more?”

He added: “I’d like to thank Wilkins Kennedy for all their support in helping us to stage this event, which has given a much-needed boost to so many fantastic good causes.”

Forty teams from Kent and Medway raised sponsorship for dozens of charities, which included Stacey’s Smiles, Teens Unite, MS Swale, Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for the Disabled, Medway Guide Dogs for the Blind, Demelza, MNDA, North Kent Disabled Foundation, Pilgrims Hospice, and Kent Air Ambulance.

Every penny raised on the day went to the teams’ nominated charities.

The contenders took part in three races with the fastest going through to the finals at the end of the day. Each boat housed a team of 11 people with one crew member at the bow beating a drum to dictate the pace of the paddles.

Back on dry land, spectators cheered on their teams and enjoyed activities and refreshments at the charity and food and drink stalls. Volunteers from the European School of Osteopathy were on hand to revive tired team members with free massages.

The KM Dragon Boat Race takes place every summer and organisations are invited to get involved and be a part of next year’s event.

For the full list of race times, visit www.KmCharityTeam.co.uk

Businesses interested in partnering with the KM Charity Team for the KM Dragon Boat Race 2019 should contact Mr Comins at dcomins@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291.

Other events organised by the KM Charity Team now open for booking include the KM Charity Golf Challenge on Friday, October 12, Zombie Charge on Sunday, October 28, and the Maidstone heat of the KM Big Charity Quiz on Friday, November 9.

Visit www.KmCharityTeam.co.uk/Booking and use the discount code KMNEWS18 for all events except for the Golf Challenge.