BILLERICAY'S inaugural Great Lake Race has been hailed a "great success" – with Boxing Day rain failing to dampen the spirits.
The event took place from 2.30pm at Lake Meadows in Radford Way.
Around 40 people, a mixture of adults and children, took part.
The race was organised by the Friends of Lake Meadows.
One of the organisers, Scott Gobeille, 44, told the Gazette there were more people than expected, and that it highlighted the "community spirit" in Billericay.
Friends' chairman Jonny Garlick, 41, came up with the idea for the boat race.
His inspiration came from witnessing a similar race in a lake in the New Forest in Hampshire, where there were around 100 boats.
Mr Garlick said he was worried that the event might not take place, as a frozen lake, snow on the ground, or the presence of fishermen could easily have scuppered it.
"I wasn't expecting people to turn up, however, as many as 50 boats turned up all competing to win," he said.
The event featured several categories, including the overall adult boat race, best design and the children's winner.
The winners each received a prize, with Champagne and chocolates among the awards.
Mr Garlick added: "Not a single person complained about the rain."
All boats had to be home-made from materials such as Christmas wrapping and plastic bottles.
According to Mr Garlick, the race was very popular with the crowd and people wanted to see it again next year.
Those who took part in the race paid an entrance fee of £2 per boat.
All money raised will go towards the upkeep of Lake Meadows.
