THE sun brought with it a record number of spectators to Ellesmere’s annual Rotary Regatta on Sunday.

The popular bell boat regatta, which takes place on the Mere, is staged by the Rotary Club of Ellesmere and welcomes teams from around the county and beyond.

Rotarian Graham Hutchinson was delighted with the turnout and estimates that more than 3,000 people attended the family event which this year was in aid of three children’s charities: Save the Children, the Isabelle Lottie Foundation and the Harry Johnson Trust.

He said: “Loads of people were involved. The weather was fantastic too – people were baking in the heat.

“It’s a terrific event that’s famous in the area. We think it’s the stellar day of the year for Ellesmere.”

Revellers enjoyed watching 32 teams compete in three sections: Adult Open, Adult Ladies and Juniors.

The final races saw the Hiab Workshop Wizards finishing in two minutes 42 seconds in the Adult Open, the Whittington Warriors in 3:11 in Adult Ladies, and the Rugby Muppets finished in 2:00 in the Junior race.