THOUSANDS of people packed Mudeford Quay on Sunday for the annual RNLI fundraiser.

Thrills and soggy spills were all part of the quayside extravaganza with the popular raft race proving the main attraction for many spectators and supporters.

Crowds lined the quayside to cheer on the hardy teams – with many participants spending weeks perfecting their eye-catching vessels.

With two heats and a hotly-contested final, the afternoon of entertainment was seen by families on boats dotted around the coast as well as visitors to Mudeford Sandspit.

Teams included Highcliffe Charity Players, Reid Steel, Sandhills and the Gleam Team.

The event, a major fundraiser for the Mudeford station, was this year also celebrating the historic 50th anniversary of the lifeboat in Mudeford.

Last year’s funday raised £28,000 for the lifeboat.

As well as the raft race, there was a coastguard helicopter and lifeboat display along with a flypast from the Hawker Hunter jet Miss Demeanour.

See all our pictures from the RNLI Mudeford Fun Day in a gallery

For youngsters, funfair rides and water sport demos took place throughout the day with live music on the lawn and lots of stalls and refreshments.

Mayor of Christchurch Cllr John Lofts was also on hand to preside over the raft races.

Kim Skinner, committee chairman of the Mudeford lifeboat funday said: “I genuinely think this is the best year we’ve ever had.

“The weather has held so far and there are so many people here. We’ve had the most entries on the raft race we’ve had in years, with 18 teams this time. It’s been so busy we’ve had to extend the park and ride as well. It’s been brilliant.”

JP Morgan made a contribution of £1,100 to help fund the park and ride service.