The stars were out for Sunday’s triple record breaking KM Dragon Boat Race which pulled in a staggering £100,000 for good causes across the county.

Forty-three teams - the biggest number of competitors to date - pit their paddles in Mote Park, Maidstone to raise the bumper amount of cash for 25 charities including; Caring for Connor, Abigail’s Footsteps, Guide Dogs for the Blind, British Legion, Hi Kent, Royal Naval Benevolent Pembroke House, Share A Star, Breast Cancer Kent, Prostate Cancer Support, Children’s Trust, Medway Youth Trust, Martha Trust, Age UK Thanet, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Demelza, Help for Heroes, Kent Search and Rescue, Clic Sargent, SNAAP and Joshua Network Trust.

Among the cheering crowds was actress Linda Robson of ‘Birds of a Feather’ fame who supported Gravesend charity the Stacey Mowle Appeal. Sports champ Rachael Burford, part of the 2014 World Cup winning women’s England rugby team, gave moral support to the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust teams.

Race records were smashed with Whitstable team Blatch and Green storming to the top spot for the fourth year in a row. The team also achieved their fastest time ever of 0.48.81 while raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

Second place went to Abigail’s Cousins with 0.53.02, Team Sedley came third with 0.53.66 and Kent Search and Rescue took fourth place with 0.55.57.

Robert Gurr of Chatham based business Kent Reliance congratulated all the teams and presented Blatch and Green with the champions trophy and medals.

The annual event which was organised by the KM Group’s charity department saw teams of 11 battling to complete the 250m course in the fastest time with one crew member beating a drum to set the pace.

Spectators enjoyed a day out of thrilling races, charity stalls, hot food and drink, and a tea cup ride for children.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “The KM Dragon Boat Race gets bigger and better every year. Once again we’ve smashed records for competitors and fundraising – and now for fastest race time too.”

Event organiser Dominic Comins thanked Kent Reliance, Mote Park Water Sports Centre and Countrystyle Recycling for backing the event.

“Without their generous support it would not be possible to stage major events such as these and be in a position to help so many wonderful charities,” he said.

The KM Dragon Boat Race is a regular fixture of the summer, taking place every year on the first Sunday in July. Mr Dolby urged organisations to support next year’s event.

“Sponsorship packages begin at just £500 and in return sponsors receive media coverage by the KM Group to publicise their generosity,” he said.

Organisations interested in sponsorship should contact Mr Dolby on sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291.

For the full list of race times click HERE or visit www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk.