Dragon boats race for charity

PSNI officers organised the Dragon Boat race

Chinese-style Dragon Boats have raced up Belfast's River Lagan in aid of a children's charity.

The event on Saturday was organised by members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who hope to raise more than £10,000 for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Twenty-four teams took part, including police officers and a number of crews from local businesses.

Chief Constable Hugh Orde and his deputy, Paul Leighton, were among those who entered a team.

DCC Leighton paid tribute to the event's organisers.

"The police officers who organised this and other Charity of the Year events, run throughout the year, have done a marvellous job," he said.

"If the money raised this year equals the enthusiasm displayed, I know the results will be excellent for the NSPCC."

The sport dates back thousands of years and involves crews with a drummer racing in 40-foot boats.

The modern version of Dragon boating was developed in Hong Kong in the 1970s.