Delayed after the river was found to be too polluted, there were smiles all around as the Scouts held their river raft race.

Following pollution postponing their July event, the Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Raft Races took place on Sunday, September 15.

The event took place at the Salisbury Canoe Club, on Newton Road, which sits on the River Nadder.

Bourne Valley leading the Year 6&7 final (Image: T WAKEMAN) Speaking to the Journal, Assistant District Commissioner Mark Warner said: "The Raft Races are a great test of the Scouts knot tying and pioneering skills as well as teamwork while paddling the Raft."

Asked about he could ensure the Nadder was not toxic, Mark said: "The organisers carried out a river inspection a few days before the races to ensure that there were no signs of pollution. The sign that had been put up in the summer regarding the pollution had been removed."

(Left) Bourne Valley Cardboard Canoe winners, and (Right) 23rd Cardboard Canoe winner  (Image: Mark Warner) On a clean river, the Scouts competed in timed runs over a 200 metre course in two age groups: Years Six and seven, and Years Eight and Nine. 

The fastest two teams in each group raced each other in the finals.

Hand built by the Scouts, they spend several weeks designing and crafting river rafts and cardboard canoes.

23rd Salisbury cardboard canoe (Image: T WAKEMAN)The event also included a 'Donkey Derby' Race with all competitors on the water as well as a cardboard canoe race, which was contested by Bourne Valley and 23rd Salisbury, but Salisbury won the race.

The Year Six and Seven final was contested by the 23rd Salisbury and Bourne Valley with Bourne Valley winning.

23rd Salisbury tried their best not to sink! (Image: T WAKEMAN) The Year Eight and Nine final was between 4th Salisbury (Harnham) and Bourne Valley with 4th Salisbury (Harnham) victorious.

The fastest time down the course was 2 minutes 15 seconds by the 4th Salisbury (Harnham) Year Eight and Nine team.