The Raft Race, revived after several years absence, raised £4,180 which was described as a magnificent figure given the overheads which had to be covered.

Fifty per cent of the proceeds (£2,090) go to CHAS, the Children's Hospice Association Scotland, with the other 50% spread among a variety of different charities.

Donations of £261.25 went to Craighalbert, the Scottish Centre for children with motor impairments; the Red Cross, Alzheimers Stonehaven Branch; Multiple Sclerosis; the Royal British Legion, Montrose and Cancer Link Aberdeen North (CLAN).

Macmillan Stracathro and Marie Curie Cancer Care each received £130.62 and donations of £43.54 each went to six Marykirk organisations, the WRI, Pensioners Club, Lunch Club, Football Club, Bumps, Babies and Toddlers and Bowling Club.

Fifteen rafts took part in the race on May 24 in balmy weather and they all finished.

Trophies and certificates were presented as follows: First: The Pirates of St Cyrus (24 mins 50 secs); Second: The Police; Third: The Hillside Housebreakers; Wooden Paddle: Smurfy McSmurf Smurf.

Best Dressed Raft: The Downhill Skiers; Best Dressed Crew: Sinkin Pink-Un; Most Sponsorship Money Sinkin Pink-Un.

MC on the day was Joe Wishart and he presented the cheques on Friday, including the biggest cheque of all to CHAS which was accepted by local CHAS supporter Gordon Beatt.