PADDLE power was in full force for team Silverbacks yesterday as they clinched victory for the second year in a row at the popular Dragon Boat Race.

Thousands of people poured into Coate Water Park to soak up the glorious sunshine and cheer on the hundreds of people taking to the lake.

And there were 19 teams all competing to sail to victory to be the fastest to row from one side of the park to the other in the competition organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix.

In the morning the teams, many in fancy dress, took on three heats before the fastest then fought to secure a place in the finals stage in the afternoon.

And there were cheers when it was announced Silverbacks had retained their title. Silent Killers scooped second place, Corsair Pirates came third and Boaty McDragonface came fourth.

Among the participants was Jo Hulance, 47, of Old Town, who works as an engineer at the Water Research Centre in Blagrove. She was with her colleagues, family and friends as part of team WRC Heroes dressed in Batman tops and hats, raising money for the premature baby support charity Bliss.

“It was hard going but we won the first heat,” she said. “We did it last year, so some of us have had some practice at it and we really enjoyed it. We are aiming to raise £500.”

Andy Maguire, 71, of Cirencester Court, was part of team Purple Paddlers raising money for the Swindon Epilepsy Group and described the atmosphere as fantastic.

He said: “It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I’ve only ever done rowing at the gym on a rowing machine but this was completely different.

“It seemed to go in no time at all because I was concentrating so hard on the race and we zoomed up here and I lost sight of the other boat.”

Team Smiths’ Sinkers were also feeling the pressure but were spurred on by their family and friends cheering them on.

Some of team members included barmaid Emily Henderson, 27, Amanda Pound, 54, of St Andrews Ridge, Mikell Steyn, 37 and Charlotte McCormack, 44, who work together at WH Smiths in the customer care department.

“It was tough,” said Emily. Charlotte added: “I wouldn’t say we were coordinated and all in time but the atmosphere is amazing.”

Team spirit was also high in team Macmillan and Pathfinders.

Nicole Price, 52, of Old Town, is one of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix and will be taking over as president of the group next week.

She said: “Everybody is excited and happy to be here. It’s a real community event and it has just grown over the years."

Fellow rotarian Elliott Causton, 28, of Covingham added: “It’s about raising money for charity but it’s all about giving Swindon year-on-year an event to look forward to.

“Some teams are winning, some are losing but everyone has got a smile on their face.”