Paddleboarding Santas take to River Stour for Christmas event

More than 50 people have taken part in a fancy dress paddleboarding fundraiser dressed as Santas, elves and other Christmas-themed characters.

Paddleboarders oared along the River Stour in Dorset on Saturday to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Partners Neil Wood and Sam Arnold, who run the community group BH Activity Junkies, organised the annual event.

Ms Arnold said: "Everyone gets into the Christmas spirit."

The group of paddleboarders dressed as Santas, elves, reindeer, snowmen and Christmas puddings

(L-R) Neil Wood and Sam Arnold said: "The turnout at the weekend was amazing, we're really pleased"

Mr Wood, a recruitment manager, and Ms Arnold, a mental health activity co-ordinator, started the community group four years ago.

"BH Activity Junkies was an idea I had been playing with for a while, it was only during lockdown that we recognised a need for people to get outside, be active and connect with others," Mr Wood said.

"It was so popular, nearly four years on, we now have nearly 9,000 members and run regular weekly activities such as paddleboarding, canoeing, running, hiking, mountain biking and climbing."

Mr Wood said: "We just love seeing all the costumes and effort everyone goes to - we give prizes for the best dressed"

The festive crew paddled from Mayors Mead car park to Tuckton Bridge.

Ms Arnold said: "It was amazing to see so many people out on the river taking part but also the supporters on the banks cheering us on and collecting donations."

Ms Arnold said: "We were amazed at just how many supporters we had along the bank and even they dressed up"

She added: "We always do a fundraising event, each year the charity changes, this year we raised money for the the RNLI because they save lives at sea around all our coasts and it's just such a good cause - they do such a challenging job, we wanted to show our support."

The event raised £160.

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