What more can be said about the annual Portrush Raft Race, except that it keeps getting better and better? Held in aid of the RNLI the total for the 1990 extravaganza has passed the £26,000 mark.

Sponsored by Guinness, Raft Race 90 had something to suit all tastes - in the week leading up to the race there were fishing competitions, quiz nights, a lubbers ball and a charity breakfast On a fabulously sunny afternoon in May, 122 rafts took to the water, demonstrating a wide variety of nautical techniques. The winning raft was Blue Bird from Fivemiletown, second was Rainbow Warrior from Castlerock and third was All at Sea with the National Curriculum from Ballymoney High School, who were also the first school to cross the line and win the coveted prize for the raft with the most sponsorship - £2,200.

Two more days of fun fund raising events were to follow, including surfing championships, a sponsored pet walk, golf and bowling competitions.

In the nine years the race has been held £100,000 has been raised.

(Photo Coleraine Chronicle).